Ashfield council bring in measures to protect nesting swans following arson attack on their Sutton Lawn nest

After the fire in reeds surrounding the pond, the swans have built a new nest and the authority said the birds and their eggs are safe.

For added protection the council has erected fencing and temporarily closed the footpath close to the nest.

Councillor Samantha Deakin, who represents Central and New Cross, said: “The anger felt by the local community is palpable. We are quite rightly proud of our swans and the idea that someone would set out to harm them is sickening. At a time when our council’s environment team are working flat out to provide full bin collections – they didn’t have to do this. To go way above the call of duty and erect this fencing to protect our nesting swans is greatly appreciated.”

Ashfield District Council’s head of environment, Charles Edwards, described the arson attack as ‘distressing.’

He said, “Like everybody else, we were appalled at this attack on the swans. It was distressing for all of our council team involved. We have taken action to protect them by installing fencing and closing the footpath to protect them. It’s sad in this day and age that we have to do this. I would ask anybody using the Lawn for their daily exercise to be on alert and report any concerns to 101.”

Police have increased their patrols in the area.

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