Problem with swan fence

THOUGH British Waterways will give £2,500 towards a swan fence that a support group wants erecting by the canal at Middlewich, it wants others to take on its long term maintenance.

The money was secured for a 440 yards fence and hedge to stop swans entering a lane from the Trent & Mersey Canal five months ago, endangering motorists.

Want assurances

But British Waterways will not release its grant of £2,500 to the Swan Support Group until there are assurances about the fence's long term maintenance, and the group wants Middlewich Town Council to underwrite the agreement.

This could result in the council footing the bill for any damage or vandalism should the Swan Support Group cease to exist.

Blank cheque

Members of the council believe it would be like writing a blank cheque, and that British Waterways have more money than it has.

So until the matter is settled, boaters, canal visitors and local residents will have to put up with the temporary orange fencing that has been erected.