IN response to the debate on feeding pigeons. I must say that, since my retirement, I have had hours of pleasure watching garden birds feeding from my bird table.

Also, the occasional squirrel has visited, and pigeons too.

I have lived in a residential area, in the same house for 40 years, and have fed the birds until recently. I have stopped feeding them now because I have rats patrolling my garden, they are searching out fallen seeds and peanuts. I feel very threatened and in terror of them invading my home. I am a member of the RSPB and respect their work, but please do not encourage this practice of feeding the birds, nature does provide food for them.

I believe the rat population is on the increase because some people are just too lazy to use the litter bins.

(Name and address supplied)