Feeding time: Hundreds of swans congregate by the River Stour estuary at Mistley waiting to be given their rations of grain by social worker Alex SmithSwans have lived in Mistley since the 17th century, feeding on barley that blew off barges on the River Stour estuary.
The Essex village’s history is so intertwined with the birds that swans feature on the village sign, the primary school’s logo and the rugby club’s crest. But the vast number of wild swans that swarm around Mistley has caused a bitter division.
There are around 250 in the village, largely thanks to the efforts of resident Alex Smith, who feeds them grain several times a day. Social worker Mrs Smith insists they enhance the area and are a draw for tourists.
Row: Alex Smith feeds 250 wild swans every day - but the locals are kicking up a stinkBut many villagers have reached the end of their tether.
They claim the swans are dangerous because they wander into the road, and pose a health threat because of the huge amount of droppings they leave on the village green.
They say the birds harass people because they are used to being fed.
Mrs Smith, 67, who lives alone and is thought to be divorced, said: ‘People say quite abusive things. It is ridiculous at times but I just carry on and do it for the swans.’
Target of abuse: Mrs Smith feeding her beloved wild swans yesterdayMistley resident Angela Kilmartin said: 'Feeling in the village is running very high against the despoliation of a known beauty spot.
'This is not a designated swan centre, it is a public highway, footpath, beach and greensward, and people passing by in cars and on foot need to take great care to avoid damage to themselves or any of the swans, because numbers are now so great and the swans are dirty and not easily seen.
'This is not a few pieces of bread thrown in the water, she feeds them three times a day, on the quay, on the foreshore, and on the green with sacks of grain, despite being asked by the parish council, the district council and animal organisations to stop.’
Bird lover: Mrs Smith claims she is verbally abused while feeding near Mistley, Essex
The argument in Mistley has flared up - even though swans have been in the village for hundreds of yearsRichard Ling, clerk to Mistley Parish Council, said the greensward was 'virtually impossible to walk on' because of the swan mess.
He said: 'I hope it doesn't come down to an Asbo but it is one of the options we will have to consider.'
Mrs Smith, who set up her own charity called Swan Watch, was taken to court in 2008 but was cleared by a judge of overfeeding.
Despite her court victory she still faces daily abuse and snide comments from villagers but she has vowed to continue feeding the regal flock.
source: dailymail
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