Tensions mount over temporary fence barring swans

A wooden fence put up around an unsafe slipway has caused anger after it prevented dozens of swans getting to where they feed and rest.

The boat slipway next to The Boulevard at Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft in Suffolk, was shut by The Broads Authority.

The authority stressed the new wooden fencing was only a temporary measure while it made plans to repair the site.

But many locals and visitors have been left frustrated, with some even attempting to remove it - something the authority described as "irresponsible".

Onlookers cheered as a section was removed by several people on Thursday.

Peter Rix, 68, a retired builder, was one of the people involved in the removal and was happy to see the swans being able to roam again.

He said he was not worried of any repercussions, however.

"They've got their freedom back - that should never have been taken away from them in the first place," he said.

"Nobody asked, they just put it up and built a prison for them, it's wrong."

When challenged by the BBC over his actions, Mr Rix said he understood the safety concerns and was aware there were five signs warning people to stay away.

Nikki Thomas is a local business owner and long term resident of Oulton Broad.

She was not involved in the removal of the fence but said "generations" of people had come to love the swans.

"They [the swans] are depressed because their normal resting area is up here on the grass," she explained.

"They get fed in the mornings and evenings by locals and visitors alike.

"They can't access it. When it's high tide they can't even get out of the water because they have covered the slipway as well where they used to walk up at high tide to their resting areas."

Laurie Rookie, 90, comes down with buckets of seed three times a week for the swans, spending about £2,000 each year in the process.

"I was devastated to see the fence, I couldn't believe it," he said. "I saw no reason for it.

"They're wild birds but they are my friends and I've been meeting them for years - that's my pleasure in old age to do something for wildlife.

"I get tonnes of pleasure out of it and I hope other people do too."

A spokesperson for the Broads Authority said it was aware of people's concerns and the removal of part of the fence.

"The recent removal of a section of the fence by concerned individuals is not a responsible action and has made it more difficult to manage this safety risk," they said.

"We urge members of the public to allow the appropriate authorities to address these issues safely and legally.

"We are currently working to identify a more satisfactory and permanent solution."

The authority did not yet have a timescale for the completion of the works.

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