Call for duck‑crossing signs after drain rescue

An animal rescuer is calling for more duck‑crossing signs after firefighters saved a tiny duckling from a drain in a town in Nottinghamshire.

The bird was plucked to safety after she fell into the drain hole as she tried to cross Tokard Way in Hucknall with her mother and 12 siblings on Sunday.

Steve Bonnington, of Billy's Hucknall Wildlife and Exotic Rescue, named her Olivia - after the firefighter who saved her.

Bonnington said he had been campaigning for more crossing signs in the area to warn drivers to slow down for ducks crossing.

"We've already got petitions to slow drivers down," added Bonnington, who has been saving animals all his life.

Bonnington went to help the ducklings when members of the public alerted him to the family being in a "dangerous situation" as they made the crossing in busy traffic.

Bodybuilder Kevin Cassidy said he was the one who stopped traffic so the family could cross to safety - and then scooped up several to help them up a high kerb.

But firefighters were later called after one of the ducklings was heard chirping from the drain.

Cassidy, 41, said "There were lots of people standing around thinking 'Oh, that's really cute'.

"Then the horrible thing started to happen - you saw them moving into the oncoming traffic.

"I just thought 'I can't watch that happen'."

One of the crew, John Randle, said: "It's quite a common thing, unfortunately. They're too small for the grates, and they slip between the bars and fall into the sewer.

"Luckily, the duckling was at the bottom of the ladder calling out for its mother."

Bonnington, 58, has taken in the rescued duckling.

Bonnington said as well as signage, more wildlife-friendly drain covers were needed.

He added: "The road that took place on, we've had a signage application (warning motorists of ducks crossing) in with the council that's been approved, but we're still waiting for the signs.

"There are drains on the market that are wildlife safe. They make them for amphibians and small mammals and small ducks.

"We put in three applications for wildlife-safe drains to the county council, and they have been declined."

Nottinghamshire County Council said it had already put signs on one street in Hucknall, with another two - including on Torkard Way - to be put up as part of this year's programme.

But it said it would not be installing new drains as the current ones meet safety and draining standards.

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