City 'pond' welcomes duck couple

It is hoped the ducks will come down for a splash and a paddle

A children's paddling pool has been set up next to a pub in Nottingham city centre as a home for two nesting ducks.

For the past few years the mallard couple have built their nest on top of Yates's Wine Lodge.

But the fountains in the Old Market Square, which the pair normally frequent, is closed for repairs.

Council officials have put the makeshift pond next to the Bell Inn to ensure the birds do not lose out on a watery habitat.

Erin McDade, of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, said the ducks have chosen the roof of Yates's Wine Lodge because it means they are out of the reach of predators.

The makeshift pond has been put in place - complete with artificial ducks - to try and encourage the birds to come down for a splash and a paddle.

Esme Macauley, of Nottingham City Council, said in the long term the ducks would have plenty of water to paddle in.

"It's a good job the new square will have a water feature," he added.