River dredging, wildlife, EU debate and Bridgnorth twinning in 1978

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: The Mayor of the French town of Thiers, Mr Maurice Adevah-Pœuf (left), joins Bridgnorth Mayor Councillor Mike McCarthy to display the official scrolls marking the twinning of their two towns on October 1, 1978. A large crowd gathered in Bridgnorth's High Street to celebrate the civic ceremony cementing the international partnership. Were you among the crowds on the High Street that day, or have you ever taken part in a Bridgnorth-Thiers twinning exchange? | Shropshire Star archive

placeholder image — PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: The Mayor of the French town of Thiers, Mr Maurice Adevah-Pœuf (left), joins Bridgnorth Mayor Councillor Mike McCarthy to display the official scrolls marking the twinning of their two towns on October 1, 1978. A large crowd gathered in Bridgnorth's High Street to celebrate the civic ceremony cementing the international partnership. Were you among the crowds on the High Street that day, or have you ever taken part in a Bridgnorth-Thiers twinning exchange? | Shropshire Star archive

Readers share their thoughts on river dredging, our relationship with wildlife, Strictly Come Dancing and whether Britain should rejoin the EU

What do we do with the slosh?

The problem of dredging rivers is the safe disposal of the dredged material, a very unstable product, occupying a large area of disposal.

In my young days I lived near a busy canal system, and would watch the dredged material off loaded by a steam driven grab onto land we christened "The Slosh"!

It was war time and odd lumps of coal could be recovered. Many times went home with muddy socks. No Health and] Safety in those days!

Stephen Bridgwater, Shrewsbury

Are we members or the masters?

Oh dear, I have flitted from the Red Wall to hung upside down with my head in the clouds in an attempt to answer Thomas Nagel's question, 'What is it like to be a bat ?'. Fortunately, as a bat, I will not be classified as a pest or vermin and subjected to poison or traps whilst I cogitate the answer to his question. If an ecosystem repeatedly produces what we call pests or vermin, is the problem always the animal, or sometimes the way we have altered the ecosystem ?.

Perhaps one should consider Aldo Leopold's famous "Land Ethic" which suggests humans are members of the ecological community; rather than masters of it. If we judge creatures by whether it serves our interests, or not, then who will decide what wildlife should be eradicated; and why?

Roger Norton, Monkmoor

Strictly, I’m not that impressed

Strictly Come Dancing – what a load of rubbish! And as for the presenters don't give up your day jobs because you are no good. And the outfits! I don't know who as chosen them but you all look like something that has fallen off the top of a Christmas Tree.

Nora Bryan, Midlands

Why would we rejoin the EU?

Lots of French people are rioting, Europe is almost broke. Uet Andy Burnham wants to take us back into Europe where we will be welcome with open arms. They know Burnham will give them nearly all of the money that we have left. Mind you they will have to be quick in accepting us because he will change his mind the next day.

Kenneth Clibery, Midlands

Europe means better security

As Trump joins sides with Russia, it is time for Europe to stand together – and for the UK to rejoin the EU. We are far more secure as part of Europe than seeking to cosy up to America.

Mark Pickett, Shifnal

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