nI'VE got mixed feelings about the pigeons in the town centre.

It's difficult sometimes to find a seat that hasn't had their messy attentions and they can be a nuisance, but it's nice to see local wildlife among the buildings even in the form of pigeons. One thing the debate has highlighted, however, is the importance of keeping a relationship between humans and birds. In other words, if we don't feed them they go away and, eventually -- as the dwindling numbers of our native birds like sparrows reveals -- may be in danger of dying out.

So, even if we cannot now feed the pigeons in Bolton town centre by order, let's hope that increasing numbers of us feed visiting birds in our gardens -- for our pleasure and their future.