A WILD animal expert is calling for a fence to be put up to protect the Middlewich swans.

Lena Porter, volunteer at Lower Moss Wood animal sanctuary in Ollerton, would like to see fencing running alongside the canal in Booth Lane to prevent the birds from straying on the road.

The swans set up home on the canal about two months ago, but keep crossing the road in search of food.

Lena, who lives in Dale Court, said: "For how much it's going to cost to put a fence up someone could get killed.

"If the swans cause an accident it's a small price to pay."

Residents feeding the birds are making the problem worse.

Lena added: "We don't want to put people off feeding them, but we don't want to cause an accident so if we all work together then maybe we can find a solution."

Lena also suggests that residents should not feed the swans too much bread.

"Bread is not really good for them, so they should be fed corn or shredded lettuce and cabbage," she added.

A spokesman for British Waterways said that because swans are wild birds, their behaviour cannot be easily predicted or readily controlled.

He said: "We will look into whether we can implement an effective low cost solution in order to keep the birds out of harms way."

Lena added: "We would also like to appeal to any local builders who could help us, it doesn't have to be a big fancy fence and it would be for the benefit of everyone."

If you can help call reporter Hayley Collins on 01606 813 623.