Letter: I am writing to complain about Sandwell Council.

I was woken up this morning to the sound of a bird through the air vent behind the head of my bed.

We immediately called the emergency phone number for Sandwell Council. Unfortunately, we were given no help or advice whatsoever. We were told the council’s health and safety policy is to leave the birds to die, in the event it may be a squirrel which could cause damage if let loose.

It was obvious this was a bird as you could clearly hear it flapping its wings.

They said that only after its death would they send someone to remove it. I pointed out that having a dead bird rotting behind my bed did not contribute to my health and safety.

I am happy to report that we pulled the air vent off the wall ourselves, releasing a perfectly healthy starling. I opened the bedroom window, and it flew out.

I am appalled that birds are subjected to an agonisingly slow death. It’s high time Sandwell Council reviewed this cruel policy.

Miss D Smith, Abbey Crescent, Oldbury.