I WAS sorry to read that the problems created by geese in York's Rowntree Park are still ongoing (Geese blight park, Letters, February 11). This makes a mockery of all the efforts that have gone into improving the park.

I remember reading an article in an American newspaper where they had overcome this problem very effectively and simply by planting evergreen shrubs close to the edges of lakes in their parks.

The geese will not venture on to the ground close to these shrubs in case predators such as dogs are concealed there.

As an experiment, a few shrubs could be planted a short distance from the edge of the lake. A lack of geese faeces in the areas close to the shrubs would soon show if the method is effective.

Now and again, dogs should be allowed to be taken around the lake to reinforce the message that the presence of the geese is unwanted.

Derek Moore,

Briar Avenue,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:03 Monday, February 16, 2004