SIR - I was born and raised in Shipley and was shocked to read that shooting might return to Ilkley Moor.

I used to walk this moor as a child and feel outraged that cruelty is about to make an evil return.

I hope the Ramblers' Association kicks up a stink about this proposal. After all, we all have a right to enjoy peace and tranquillity in the countryside, without venturing across those with nothing better to do than blast birds out of the air.

There's also talk about snaring foxes and other predators to protect these birds. Not only is this the height of hypocrisy, but it's downright barbaric.

And for what? Just so a minority of blood-lusting predatory people can delight in testing their shooting prowess without a thought for the birds and animals they destroy.

My advice to the residents and all those who enjoy a peaceful walk is to fight any attempt to reintroduce shooting on this moor.

Judi Hewitt, Hadley Crescent, Rhyl, Denbighshire, North Wales

  • SIR - I was sad to read that Bradford Council is drawing up plans to allow the shooting of grouse on Ilkley Moor.

This means they support people who kill birds for fun in the name of sport.

I urge people who object to this form of bloodsport make their feelings known to Bradford Council, so those plans can be revoked.

J Cosway, Hill Foot, Shipley

  • SIR - It's a great shame that a sensible decision 11 years ago to remove the shooting license for Ilkley Moor has been overturned following the move to put the lease out to tender.

You may wonder what concern this is of someone who doesn't live in Yorkshire, but as someone who lives on the edge of a shooting estate in Scotland, I know only too well the threat commercial shooting poses not only to local people, but also to wild and domestic animals.

Having recently witnessed the Scottish Government choosing the financial gain of the shooting industry over the need to ban the use of snares, a cruel and primitive method of controlling predators, it seems sad Bradford Council is following a similar path of easy cash over a more complex moral decision.

I hope the Council has thoroughly examined every option available in reaching the decision to reintroduce grouse shooting and, should the proposed shooting come to fruition, will take appropriate steps to inform the public of the hazards which come with such an industry.

I hope Ilkley's residents are prepared for the noise, disruption and danger which come with allowing shooting in an area such as Ilkley Moor.

Louise Robertson, Scotland Campaigner, League Against Cruel Sports, Union Street, London