Controversial plans to demolish a bridge have been scuppered at the last minute ... by a family of nesting birds
Workmen discovered the swallows' nest as they prepared to pull down Fingringhoe Bridge and spend £900,000 building a new one
Council chiefs today admitted they are being forced to put the project on hold because of tough wildlife laws which prevent them disturbing the birds.
A spokesman said: "It is an offence to kill or injure wild birds, and that includes damaging or destroying eggs, the young birds or the nest while it is being built or in use."
The council will now have to wait for the eggs to hatch and the chicks to fly the nest before sending the demolition men back in, unless a bid for a special licence to remove the nest is granted.
The spokesman said: "We are consulting to see if there's anything else we can do, but we've been advised it could be a month before the birds have hatched and fledged."
Published Thursday July 1, 2004
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