Sir - After spending 'around' £5,000 per annum since 2006 in their attempt to reduce the flocks of seagulls fouling our City. It would appear the Council are at last succeeding in reducing their numbers.

We are informed back in 2007 there were exactly (700) breeding pairs! Six years and presumably £30,000 later, the number has been reduced to precisely (320), due to the efforts of pest control experts.

What I find amazing is the accuracy of these quoted statistics by the bird specialist's as opposed to the 'approximate' figure stated by our council on the cost. I would also be fascinated to know what methods were employed by these professionals in gathering such accurate figures.

Apparently fast food outlets are prime suspects for this invasion of sea birds, due to less than peckish customers discarding their purchase, presumably discovering it too much of a challenge to consume, unlike the gulls.

What I also find hard to swallow as a member of the grey community, facing the threat of the concessionary bus passes being withdrawn, due to 'budget cuts'. Why is our cash strapped council not insisting these multi national companies foot the bill for this less than cheap solution?

Robin Smith

Worcester