RE your article on the pigeon problem, I was recently visiting Arras in northern France and it was noticeable that only the occasional pigeon was to be seen the absence of pigeon excrement was also noticeable.

Enquiries elicited the information that the pigeons were fed by the town but the corn was laced with a contraceptive which made the eggs sterile. I am sure that this humane method of reducing the pigeon population did not cost anywhere near the £10,000 being quoted for building a dovecote.

Providing a dovecote and then having to take proceedings against those who feed the pigeons seems a very sledgehammer method of solving a problem which could be dealt with much more simply by the means employed by the good people of Arras.

I cannot understand on what basis the claim is made that providing a dovecote and a feeding area will reduce the pigeon population being fed and housed hardly seems to provide an incentive for moving on!

G RICHARDS

Hilperton

I WOULD like to make a comment on the disgusting state of the footpaths, streets and alleyways in and around Trowbridge town centre.

Litter, fast food containers, cigarette ends and the general detritus of the 21st century is everywhere.

Until 18 months ago a man with a barrow did a fine job and kept the town centre clean.

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