CONCERNS over the safety of Halstead’s beloved ducks is growing among residents.

Work is being undertaken to clear sludge from the pond in Halstead Public Gardens, but the work has been branded ‘inconsiderate’ with the animals now in laying season.

Julie Winter, of Trinity Street has grown fond of the ducks over the years, but has been wracked with worry.

She said: “On the Sunday before last a female duck with five ducklings crossed Trinity Street to our house for food and fresh water.

“When she wished to return to the park we helped her cross and watched her jump into the much depleted pond with her reluctant ducklings following.

“We then realised the ducklings would be unable to exit the pond so my partner donned wellies and organised a plank bridge.”

And Julie witnessed the same struggles last Sunday.

She said: “On Sunday we have seen that a mum who has been nesting in our garden has eight ducklings.

“She has again followed normal practice and taken them for a swim in the pond, which is now green in parts and has only a trickle of water.

“My partner has again put up a plank bridge.

“In most cases, you should be able to avoid harming birds.

"You should avoid harming birds by timing your work to avoid the breeding season or by using a range of methods that deter birds but don’t harm them.

Since the sludge is merely being piled around the pond to slide back in when it rains it seems fairly counterproductive too.”