SIR - I’m writing in response to John Phillpott’s letter ‘Support for mural painting in Diglis is ‘disappointing’’ (12 September).

I want to assure Mr Phillpott that we share his consideration for the sand martins who make their home in Diglis Dock.

The artwork being proposed will only be installed once the birds have all migrated south to Africa for the winter, and will be finished long before they return next year, so it will have no impact on them at all.

We have been monitoring the sand martins over the spring and summer, noting when they had arrived and which of the holes they chose to make use of.

These nest holes and the chains they like to sit on around the basin will not be affected by the artwork.

Additionally, the paint being used is the same as that used on canal boats, so that is not a concern.

As a charity that cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, we always put the welfare of wildlife first whenever we carry out work.

Of course the waterways around Worcester offer an amazing space for an abundance of wildlife.

We want all species to thrive and believe this most definitely remains the case with regards to the proposals for Diglis Dock, and we look forward to seeing the sand martins when they return early next year.

Laura Mullholland

Canal & River Trust ecologist