I SUSPECT that your recent report gave a somewhat misleading impression regarding the missing sheep from the Conservator's flock. There can be many explanations for sheep going missing, as anyone involved in caring for sheep will tell you.

Unless there is some compelling reason to the contrary, it would be to everyone's advantage for our excellent shepherd to be offered a new contract.

For some years now the sheep have been a source of joy to those of us who regularly walk the area of British Camp, and without doubt they have, and are, doing a first class job in helping to control brambles and bracken and to improve the quality of the grass on this section of the Hills.

Sadly of recent years, the Conservators appear to have become a rather weak and indecisive body which is susceptible to a minority of noisy members with their own agenda.

They must not be allowed to destroy all that the flock has accomplished. Perhaps they are part of that other minority; the one in nine of the British population who own non-working dogs and who are still allowed to dominate the hills to the detriment of the rest of us, and certainly to that of the sheep.

Their total contempt of any notices, however weakly worded, regarding keeping their animals under control is a constant annoyance and source of frustration, and even anger to so many who wish to enjoy the hills in peace.

One waits in vain for the Conservators to stop vacillating and to firmly support those who are genuinely contributing to the welfare of the Hills and to put in place controls on those who will not themselves control their own animals.

DAVID C TARPLETT, Green Lane, Malvern Wells.