Five cygnets drowned on a stretch of the Montgomery Canal in Welshpool after fears that their nest was too close to debris.

A cluster of young swans died after being swept away in an overflow grate at the side of the Montgomery Canal in Welshpool, with onlookers powerless to help the young birds.

Some residents had reportedly raised concerns about the location because of a pile of debris that had been cleared from the lock near Morrisons car park.

One concerned resident described the incident as a 'wildlife tragedy' and told the County Times: “I pointed out that a pair of swans had started to build a nest with the debris as it was easy pickings and most of the hard work had already been done for them.

"They would not have built a nest there ordinarily as there is no vegetation to use.

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“My concern was that the swans were going to be extremely vulnerable nesting so close to the general public, and that the lock gates and overflow would be a hazard for any little cygnets entering the water.”

Shortly after the issue was raised, the cygnets were swept away by the overflow grate not long after they entered the water for the first time. Five were pulled under and died, while two reportedly survived.

A spokesperson for the Canal and Rivers Trust said: “It is upsetting to learn of the death of the cygnets. Our ecologist had previously visited the site and was concerned with the location of the nest next to the weir, but it is illegal to move or interfere with an active birds nest.

“Though members of the public are willing to help with these incidents, we strongly advise against getting involved due to the risk the water flow and the potential reaction from the parent swans.

“We will be removing the material as soon as we can confirm that the nest is no longer being used.”