A RESIDENT has spoken of her horror as she watched a duckling get run over by an impatient driver who didn't wait for it to cross the road.

Marnie Margrain, from Halstead, was walking her dog when she witnessed the incident, which “ruined her day”.

Signs by Halstead Public Gardens let drivers know of the possibility of ducks crossing the road. 

Ms Margrain said: “I was on New Street taking my dog for a walk, and I come to the end to get to Trinity Street where there was quite a lot of traffic.

“The ducks were crossing the road, a mum and five babies, and it was a lovely sight.

“It all happened so quick, but a lady driving had slowed down after she had seen them.

“The ducks were crossing the road to the pond, and she just couldn’t wait. She was impatient and tried to go round them, but she went around them the way they were walking.

“The wheels went right over one of them and killed one of them."

Ms Margrain said the driver then drove off without stopping. 

She added: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I was just so shocked and absolutely gutted.

“The car that was behind stopped, and a kind man picked up the duckling and put it into one of the bushes.

“But the mother duck was waiting, quacking, and it was all just so sad. It ruined my day and is one of those things you cannot unsee.

“It all happened so fast as I said, and in hindsight, I would have got her number plate, but all I know is that it was a dark car and a lady was driving.”

Signs on the street warning residents of the possibility of ducks crossing in the area.

But Ms Margrain says drivers who are not familiar with the area might not always see them.

“There is a duck sign, but I am not sure if it is big enough”, she said.

“Maybe there should be more signs, as ducks can cross in different areas.

“People that live in the town know, but others might not.

“The ducks are a much-loved part of the town, and they have got as much right to cross as anyone, so something needs to be done to help stop this from happening again.”