Two mystery swans have been moved on for their safety after causing havoc on the busy road past Nantwich Lake.
The pair appeared a few days ago and rather than staying safely on the lake or water’s edge they ventured around the car-park and onto Whitchurch Road causing motorists to brake sharply and swerve to avoid them.
Several incidents were witnessed by lake visitors and members of the 500-strong Nantwich Swans and Water Fowl Facebook community group.
Long-standing member Yvonne Piercy said: “I actually phoned the police who gave me a reference number to report it to the council and enquire about signs urging motorists to slow down: ‘Swans Crossing.’
“We were worried the swans could cause an accident, injuring themselves and a driver, as cars come round the bend onto Whitchurch Road.
“Our comments raised the alarm with a swan rescue group who have moved them on to Derbyshire.
“There’s every chance they will return though as we believe it was this pair who made an appearance on the lake in the spring.
“I call them the interlopers as they come and go as they please.”
The pair, believed to be a male and a female, also ruffled the feathers of the lake’s long-term resident Cleo and her cygnet.
Yvonne, who keeps a watchful eye on the lake’s swan and bird population, added: “Cleo’s head has been down a lot meaning she felt anxious and threatened.
“She’s doing a tremendous job of bringing up her cygnet alone.”
Nantwich resident and lake walker Jan Roberts said: “It was lovely to see the newcomers on the lake but scary watching them saunter across the road oblivious to oncoming traffic and even stopping for a sit down as cars drove round.
“They were causing havoc when I visited at the weekend. I’m relieved to hear they have been moved on to safety.”
The mystery pair arrived just weeks after concerns were raised about the future of the lake’s swan population following the tragic loss of cygnet Felix after a dog attack, and adult swan Dylan found dead a few days later.
Dylan had been a familiar sight to residents and his death left his long-term partner Cleo and their remaining cygnet alone.
The losses prompted Nantwich Mayor Cllr Kim Jamson, RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and the community group to join forces to urge people to help protect the birds.
The A3 boards were designed and donated by Johnson’s Printers in Nantwich and encourage visitors to share the area responsibly, particularly by keeping dogs on leads around nesting birds and young wildlife.
Hopes are if the newcomers do return some ‘slow down’ signage can be installed – and Nantwich may eventually welcome some fluffy new arrivals.
Nantwich Lake swans campaign group