NATURE lovers are taking action after the death of two swans in an unloved stretch of canal.

People living near Enfield Wharf, Clayton-le-Moors, have joined together in an attempt to spruce up the area.

It comes after two swans died after they were shot by air rifles and a Canada Goose was reported as living by the canal with fishing wire tangled around its neck and head. 

Emma Kenyon, a former community safety manager, is keen to get people onboard and is leading the campaign.

She said: “This is such a lovely place to live and people need to realise that.

“The idea for a ‘spring clean’ came after the deaths of the swans and just a general feeling of being fed-up with the mess in the area.

“Four baby swans were left behind and we don’t want this kind of mess for them.

“More recently, the RSPCA have been appealing for help after a goose with fishing wire tangled around its head was spotted.

“As soon as we suggested putting on a spring clean people wanted to get involved – the reception has been brilliant.”

The clean-up, which will take place on Saturday, has secured the support of many local residents, councillors and small businesses.

A local Tesco is supplying refreshments and fruit, and the Sea Cadets will be around on the day, ready to chat to residents and lend a hand.

Cllr Tim O’Kane will also be attending and spoke about the importance of the clean-up in the area.

He said: “The idea of the day of action is to get people enthusiastic about keeping the area clean and safe.

“This is my home and I’m keen to try to make the canal an area that people can be proud of.

“We will be keeping the area in constant review but we hope that by making the area a more pleasant place it will stop anti-social behaviour."