I AM writing in respect of the mass shooting of 60 Canada geese by United Utilities at Lingley Mere.

The deliberate destruction of wild animals is something that should concern every single one of us.

Not only is it barbaric and inhumane, but it also displays a wanton disregard for a developing local eco system. United Utilities has shown its true colours.

I am aware that the newspaper article mentioned that the birds had bitten some of the staff at the site. I used to work there myself a few years back and I never saw the birds attack anyone. In order to protect their young, they might hiss and flap their wings, but to say that they are naturally aggressive is to deliberately miss the point. Had staff members been trying to feed the birds their leftover sandwiches I wonder?

I believe that the two artificial lakes in question were originally used by North West Water to test pollution levels. Complaints about an abundance of phosphates are not justification for widespread slaughter like this. There are other ways to deal with controlling the population of this species in Great Sankey. Just a quick look on Wikipedia tells me that addling goose eggs and destroying nests are promoted as humane population control methods.

I think that UU should stick with over-charging us for our water, rather than killing defenceless creatures.

LYNDSAY MCATEER Warrington Green Party