Mirrors bought to cut deer deaths

Woodland chiefs said they hope to cut the number of deer killed on Staffordshire's roads by installing mirrors to scare them away from cars.

Every year about 170 deer are killed on roads through Cannock Chase.

The British Deer Society has now donated more than £700 to Staffordshire County Council to buy 75 mirrors - doubling the number there.

Council leaders said the mirrors, which allow animals to see car lights further away, also improve road safety.

Wildlife enthusiast Councillor John Wakefield said that nationally about 20 people die in road crashes involving deer a year.

He said: "The mirrors also remind motorists to keep vigilant.

"Even though they will have an effect on the number of accidents, the best way to guard against deer danger is to slow down through the Chase to under 40mph and to drive with extreme care at all times."