I wish to protest in the strongest possible terms about the totally irresponsible journalism displayed by The Argus in recent coverage of the culling of badgers in Saltdean.

The headlines said "murderers" and "killers" about a perfectly respectable number of householders whose gardens and property were being invaded by badgers and who very properly applied to Defra as to what they should do.

Everyone has a duty to protect their property and if the powers that be, namely Defra, suggest a certain course of action, the householders have to follow that professional advice.

That they should then be harassed and pilloried by the animal rights people - who not only invaded their gardens but also screamed abuse and threats over last weekend, causing the police to intervene and general mayhem to result - is really the fault of The Argus's journalism.

Of course we all know jobs probably depend upon getting some nicely violent headlines but do the sub-editors never stop to think of the effect this may have upon people's lives - people who are totally and absolutely innocent?

If The Argus wants to take issue with someone, why on earth does it not castigate Defra?

This department seems utterly incompetent and clumsy in its handling of this event and of the appalling foot-and-mouth debacle.

-Betty Mulcahy, Marine Drive, Brighton