People in South Derbyshire are taking a stand to save the lives of birds who are using the town’s roads to explore the scenery.
Over the last few months, Midway Road and Newhall Road, in Swadlincote, have become a hotspot for swans, cygnets, geese and ducks who use the road to wander from pond to park and back again.
The extraordinary sight has been welcomed by residents but fears over the safety of the animals were raised after a dead duck was found in the road last week.
One resident, who lives nearby told the Burton Mail: “It is happening all year round but it seems quite frequent at the moment and only last week a duck was found dead in the road. A neighbour of mine scooped it up and moved it but it was a horrible and very sad thing to see.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “There has always been fencing there but it is impossible to enclose them in because if they want to get out they can just fly, what is needed is some sort of awareness on the motorists’ part to slow down and be more considerate around that area.”
Samantha Smith lives in Midway and her house overlooks the back pond. She said that the area has some beautiful wildlife and nature and it “needs to be looked after.”
The 24-year-old, said: “I am not too sure why the fence was partially taken down but I do think something needs to be done to keep the animals safe.
“There are a lot more ducks around there than there used to be and I think it is great that we can pop down the road and see geese crossing over but obviously drivers need to be aware of the problem otherwise it could cause distractions and accidents.
“We have recently had problems with squirrels stealing bird feed from our garden so we have had to put a plastic dome over the feeder to stop them from climbing up. As we live next to the ponds we get a lot of nature and we should take advantage of that and do our bit to look after them.
“If all it takes is a few signs or posters highlighting that there are animals around, then why not do it?”
Woodville resident Chloe Russon, 24, said the animals have “no road sense at all".
She said: “Twice I have witnessed ducks and ducklings crossing the road. It is only a matter of time before something happens as they have no road sense at all.
“I have seen many road users leave their cars in order to usher the birds and their young to safety but unfortunately a lot of people are impatient and see these beautiful birds as a hindrance to their day.
“A gated fence needs to be put in place to stop them from roaming so easily, obviously I understand that determined birds will fly but they are not likely to when they have their young.
“It makes sense really, not only for the birds’ safety but for road users and even children using the park when the birds are wandering freely with their young, they may be quite protective and even attack.
”A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “Putting up warning signs that ducks might be around is something we can consider. We will send an officer to have a look to see if it is needed at this junction.”
