Signs to protect ducklings are still not in place - putting this year’s brood in danger.

A duck has nested in the back garden of one of the houses in Trinity Street, Halstead, for several years, but her ducklings have to undertake a perilous journey across a main road to reach the public gardens.

Teacher Julie Winters, 48, moved to the house last year, and was horrified that six of the ducklings died last year after being run over.

Councillors agreed to place signs to warn drivers of the ducks crossing, but they have still not materialised.

Mrs Winters said: “We let it go over the winter because there we thought the signs would be in place in time for spring when she has her ducklings.

“She has laid 14 eggs, so there is only five weeks now before they hatch."