A FAMILY of swans is on the move again after several of its clan died following an attack by a fox.

The much travelled flock - which moved to their new home at Neddy's Springs in Farington, after one of their cygnets was killed - has been reduced further after four of the babies were slaughtered.

Now out of the original family, only four remain - two adults and two of their offspring.

The latest twist in the long running saga which has kept locals gripped for months, happened just weeks after they moved to the new lake from a pond on Farington Park.

After trekking two miles to their new home, waddling across two industrial estates, a restaurant and a railway track, residents had hoped the birds would have been safe. Ward councillor Fred Heyworth says everyone in the village is very upset by what happened: "A lot of interest had been shown by local people, it's very sad.

"I have spoken to local wildlife experts who say they're sure they will have been killed by foxes.

"We had tried to ensure they were safe on their original pond but there's nothing we can do to stop nature taking its course."

He added he would be considering suggesting a new swan haven for the family next year to fellow South Ribble councillors.

Recreation and Amenities chairman, Coun Alan Dawson, said: "We'll be looking at ways to help the swans in the future."

The swans originally lived on Neddy's Springs, before moving to the pond last year. But experts say they look for a new home every time one of the flock is killed.

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