A new Swan Watch group has been set up in Worksop, following repeated injuries to cygnets on the Chesterfield Canal.

Shocking injuries to swans from fish hooks and line in the Garside Street Canal area have reduced a family of cygnets from eight to two, with six in the care of Warsop Wildlife Rescue Team.

The formation of the group follows the success of a similar initiative in Retford, in a bid to help clean up the canal and protect its swans that return each year to breed.

Marie Watson, who lives near the canal in Worksop, linked up with Glen Slaney of Warsop Wildlife Rescue to form the group, and attended a meeting with relevant parties this week to discuss what could be done to improve the situation.

The swan family now includes just two cygnets on the canal, while Warsop Wildlife Trust cares for six that have suffered injuries.

placeholder image — The swan family now includes just two cygnets on the canal, while Warsop Wildlife Trust cares for six that have suffered injuries.

Glen is to place laminated posters displaying his number so that people can inform him immediately of any injured birds.

Marie walks by the canal frequently and has created the facebook group, Worksop Swan Watch, so that people interested in helping to protect local wildlife and particularly the swans, can join.

It is hoped members will report any discarded line or fishing hooks so they can be disposed of safely.

Marie has contacted the council regarding the possibility of bins being provided at entrances to the canal, and is to ask community police to get on board by frequenting canal walkways.

Swans on the canal in Worksop have been injured by discarded fishing hooks and line.

There has been a donation from Worksop East County Cllr Russell Dodd on behalf of Cllrs Dodd, Bingham, Wheatcroft and McCormack, to help with ongoing costs to Warsop Wildlife Rescue, and future options to improve matters include better signage along the canal, and education and awareness for younger anglers.

Marie added: "We look forward to continuing to work together and, hopefully, seeing some positive changes along the canal."

In recent weeks, beleaguered Warsop Wildlife Rescue has been on constant call to swans and cygnets suffering because of lost, discarded or poorly managed fishing tackle.

Every rescue places additional strain on its small volunteer team and results in veterinary costs that they can't afford to keep meeting.

Some of the birds have suffered horrible injuries and required urgent veterinary treatment.

A Rescue spokesperson said: "In our view, the situation is no longer acceptable. It is not fair on these birds, and it is not fair on the small, struggling team that repeatedly has to pick up the pieces.

"Please think before you fish. Dispose of tackle responsibly, take all litter home, and report any wildlife in distress as soon as possible."

Marie Watson can be contacted through the facebook group Worksop Swan Watch.