IT'S little wonder that Whitehall threatened to take control of Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The authority's appalling record speaks for itself, whether it be in business, regeneration or the latest controversial decision to cull the pigeons in Hanley.

Personally, I had hoped that it would be a new start for our once great city when John van de Laarschot was appointed, but, unfortunately, it still seems to be "no business as usual".

As far as the pigeons are concerned, this control is permitted under the terms of the general licences, which are issued by Natural England.

The terms of these licences state that non-lethal methods should be tried first, or proven to be impractical.

If the council is meeting these conditions then it is acting legally under wildlife laws.

That said, in my view, acting legally does not necessarily mean you are acting morally, compassionately or humanely.

You may recall that in the recent past I wrote to you in respect of this council slaughtering Canada Geese.

It is alleged that the council made no effort to meet the non-lethal criterion. Unfortunately for the geese, the rest is history.

One only has to look at poor old Mr Badger to see that Mr Pigeon really has no chance.

Despite the fact there is not a single piece of scientific evidence that proves badgers are responsible for spreading TB to cattle, they are now going to be slaughtered the cheapest way possible.

The Government didn't even bother to implement a proper humane cull by an independent and accountable organisation.

When will councils and governments realise that they need to lead by example if they want people to respect the law.

Shame on you.

ROBERT STONE

Hanchurch