NESTING swans which have produced young at the Basins in Wellington have been creating quite a stir.

It is the first time swans have hatched cygnets there since the Fox family created the town beauty spot and lots of people have been visiting to see them.

Wellington Mayor Bob Bowrah said: “Pre-school groups, mums, dads and families have all been taking a very keen interest in the nesting swans and now we have success.”

He added that the Basins Volunteer Group had been responsible for attempting to secure the nesting area for the last six weeks. Most people had been responsible, controlling dogs around the site, and visitors had not entered the areas that had been fenced off.

Mr Bowrah said: “The next few weeks will be critical and until the cygnets have grown large enough they will be vulnerable to dogs, foxes, herons and the large pike in the Basins, which, when weighed last year, was 28 pounds and still growing.”

The Basins is a popular area with walkers, dog walkers and visitors who want to enjoy the tranquil area. The volunteer group keeps it in clean, crisp condition – anyone interested in joining the group should contact the secretary on 01823 974305.