Anger at 'attacks' on pond swans

Just one cygnet is now left on the pond said Mrs Smith

A pond 'teeming with wildlife' near a popular walkway should be better protected, say residents.

They claim swans and their young are being attacked on the water at Towyn near Abergele in Conwy.

One said it was heartbreaking to see the six cygnets hatched this year reduced to just one.

A Conwy council spokesman said they were unaware of any problems with wildlife in the area of the pond, but they would look into the matter.

"I think someone is killing them deliberately as there were six cygnet to begin with and now there is only one left," said Kathleen Smith, who walks near the pond every day.

"It seems to be happening at night, and it's not nice for children when they see what is happening.

"The lake itself is also in a very dirty state with a shopping trolley sticking out of it.

"It's a lovely area, with loads of wildlife but no-one seems to care," Mrs Smith added.

Former councillor Dennis Huxley-Owen said he too was concerned about the fate of the swans, and also ducklings on the pond.

"The town council is in the process of creating a "Wetland" on the South end of the park, so this sort of behaviour by individuals needs to be nipped in the bud," he said.

Mrs Smith said the water was strewn with rubbish

A spokeswoman for Conwy County Council said: "The pond is set in a park that is teeming with wildlife and has ecological and biodiversity value for the Towyn area.

"We haven't received any reports of problems in the area but we have forwarded this lady's concerns to our Streetscene staff," she added.