MADAM, I was astonished to read your front page article about the problems suffered by residents at the hands of starlings.

The other evening I happened to witness a huge flock of starlings swirling over the city at sunset. Everybody in the car park stopped to look up in amazement, it was a truly spectacular sight.

Unfortunately this is a spectacle that may soon be gone since starling numbers have declined by 71 per cent since 1970. Along with house sparrows these birds are a threatened species.

To suggest or even report that the solution is to destroy more of their habitat is irresponsible - and all for the sake of a clean car.

Vince Godber,

Peartree Cottage, Lawton, Eardisland

MADAM, I was appalled to read that Mrs Sutherland's suggestion was to have the trees cut down.

I also live very close to the leylandii trees in which the birds roost, however I am a member of the public who rather enjoys watching one of nature's fabulous displays and I am used to living in the countryside and therefore am aware of the importance of natural habitats.

Rosina Lowe,

Chave Court, Widemarsh Common, Hereford

MADAM, As a life experienced gamekeeper, living for most of my life in Hampshire, we dealt with the problem with the solution my father used.

On two estates where I was employed, starlings caused a great deal of damage and I suggested my father's solution. This was to put two heaps of old tyres and oily rags either end of the group of trees.

On a night when the wind was blowing fresh, up into the trees, when all the starlings had come into roost we lit the bonfires, this drove the starlings off roost and they never returned, although in one case the problem had been there for ten years.

On my advice, others trying this solution also had 100 per cent success. Whether this solution could be used, today and in the relevant situation I do not know.

JACK KENNEY,

Cobhall Close, Redhill, Hereford.

MADAM, I too had this trouble in Ludlow because I have three large fir trees. Last weekend I took eight foot off the top and cut them back hard all around until not much greenery was left.

Last Saturday when they came to roost there was not enough cover and for the last week we have been free of them.

It is a lot of work but better than all the mess. Perhaps you could pass this on to who ever owns the trees. I do this every four or five years - the trees always grow again.

Trever Friswell,

New Street, Ludlow.