I AM writing in response to your article (Don't cull the swans, January 11).

Firstly, may I say that this amalgamation wishes to disassociate itself from any remarks made by the Fisheries & Angling Conservation Trust, as we are not members of that group.

This amalgamation has no wish to see any swans culled in any way, shape or form.

However, we do feel that the article presented a very one-sided view of Mr Sidley's feelings towards the incidence of swan injuries and deaths.

Since the ban of lead weights of a size that were professed to cause problems for swans some 20 years ago, it has been reported that there has been a 70 per cent increase in the swan population around Stratford-upon-Avon (Angling Times).

Our chairman, also a fisherman, has indicated to me that he would be pleased to see a pair of swans on his local pond in Skelton.

Perhaps Mr Sidley would consider donating a pair to enhance the local natural environment.

R Hutchinson, General secretary, York & District Amalgamation of Anglers, St Clements Club, Count de Burgh Terrace, York.