SIR - Two problems at the Wyevale Garden Centre, near Thornbury, were said to justify shooting a robin family nesting in the restaurant area.

The first a hygiene one from the birds' droppings and secondly spurious intruder alarms during silent hours. Had the centre consulted the RSPCA, RSPB or any ornithologist a more friendly solution would have resulted.

Instead pest control experts were chosen who then secured a licence from DEFRA, to shoot the birds. Sadly for the centre when they shot the birds they also very effectively shot themselves in the foot.

Bird-friendly folk are now withdrawing their custom for bird food and some are boycotting the centre completely.

I suggest that Wyevale, the pest control form and DEFRA are all culpable for this senseless, cruel act.

Thornbury resident, Name and address supplied.