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Villagers install signs to protect family of ducks

Sarah West A man wearing a blue t-shirt and sunglasses, attaching a yellow diamond-shaped sign to a lamppost using cable ties. The sign says 'duck crossing', with a silhouette image of a mother duck being followed by three ducklings. Sarah West
Two signs have been installed in the village to warn oncoming drivers of the wildlife

Concerned residents are calling upon their local council to help protect a flock of ducklings from speeding traffic.

Sarah West has lived in Aldbourne, Wiltshire, her entire life and said the eight ducklings and their mother have become a beloved fixture in their small village.

After witnessing countless "near misses", she implored Aldbourne Parish Council to install prominent 'duck crossing' warning signs on the B4192, but to no avail.

Aldbourne Parish Council said it will ultimately be up to the highways department at Wiltshire Council whether the signs are permanently installed on the road.

The issue will be raised at a parish council meeting on Wednesday.

In the meantime, councillor Alison Edmonds volunteered to pay for two temporary signs out of her own pocket, while they wait and hope for more official signage.

Debbie Keen A close up image showing eight fluffy brown and white ducklings walking close together in the grass, surrounded by fallen brown leaves in autumn. Debbie Keen
There were once 12 ducklings that roamed the village, but four sadly died of natural causes

Ms West says the mother was originally followed by 12 ducklings in tow, but four have gradually been lost to predators and environmental factors.

"Dying of natural causes is more bearable, but being squashed would be so unpleasant," she said.

She added it is unlikely the birds could avoid a vehicle approaching them at speed.

"They're so small you could fit them in the palm of your hand. When you watch them crossing the road, they struggle to hop up onto the pavement."

Sarah West Sarah West wearing blue shorts, light coloured trainers and a black and grey zip up jumper. She has her grey hair tied up in a ponytail and her hands in her short pockets. She is standing on the right side of the pond, smiling at the camera. On the water's surface you can see the small ducklings swimming beside tall reeds.Sarah West
Sarah West says the flock spend most of their time at the village pond, but regularly cross the road to explore their surroundings

The 61-year-old recalled a "terrifying" incident where a van drove over the entire family, but they "miraculously" ended up between the four wheels, unscathed.

"I nearly had a heart attack," she said. "I was so scared the whole lot had been killed in front of me.

"Every day we count the ducklings to make sure they're all still there. People tear through the village, it's only a matter of time.

"We've done what we can but it's not enough, it's now up to the council to do their bit to protect them."

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