My family and myself spent late afternoon and part of the evening at lovely West Bay last Sunday.

While walking around the new construction site by the harbour I noticed up on the sixth floor there was a seagull trapped and hanging by its neck, in great distress and unable to free itself.

One relative phoned the harbourmaster and was told there was nothing he could do and we should ring the RSPCA.

I rang the police at Dorchester (because I didn't know how to find enquiries on my mobile), to ask if they could give me the number of the Bridport fire brigade as I know many fire brigades will look on it as an exercise/practice.

The police told me the fire brigade would not be interested, which by past experience of the fire brigade I simply don't believe. Most firemen I know are so willing to help.

So the police didn't give me the number, but did give me the number of the RSPCA.

That I rang and got stuck in the stacking system. I heard the message that I could go to the website about 10 times before a man answered.

He asked my name and for various other details. I thought this was wasting time, as there was a seagull in danger of strangling to death.

My two sons Oliver and Simon, on hearing my conversation decided enough was enough.

I told the RSPCA what a waste of space they were and rang off.

My sons Oliver and Simon straight away went over the barrier fence and climbed the scaffold up six floors with a pair of secateurs that were given to them by a bystander from his car. They cut the wire to free the seagull and it flew off, free again.

Whilst I place no aspersions whatsoever on the Fire Brigade (fine people, and it's not their fault I couldn't get hold of them), I feel that the harbour master, police and RSPCA acted entirely without feeling for this poor creature and were no help whatsoever.

Sadly even a passing motorist stopped when seeing my sons going to the bird's rescue, saying I don't know why you're wasting your time its only a seagull'.

What kind of a sick nation are we becoming.

My family felt very good for what was achieved, and the bird's little life saved.

Mike Andrews, Address supplied.