Toad road once again closed

Only 49 toads were killed during this year's spring crossing

A scheme to prevent toads, frogs and newts from being squashed by traffic in Bath is to be reintroduced.

More than 800 were saved in 2002 when part of Charlcombe Lane was closed to traffic between February and April, because it is one of the district's most popular toad crossings.

The toads make their way annually from the surrounding hills to the north of the city, to the lakes in the valley below, where they breed.

The journey is made from dusk to dawn with many creatures being killed or injured as they cross the road, prompting officials to close the road.

Last year volunteers collected 619 toads, 94 frogs and 66 newts and gave them a lift on their way to the breeding grounds.

This year, Wessex Water has contributed £750 to help publicise the scheme

"We are delighted to receive this Wessex Watermark Award which helps us pay for the road closure," said Mary Thompson, a volunteer from the rescue group.