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Goose shot and killed by young yobs at Walsall beauty spot

Youths killed a Canada goose after firing shots at a flock of birds at a Walsall beauty spot, it is claimed.

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A Canadian Goose

Police are investigating claims that four youths were seen on The Lea in Blakenall taking pot-shots at the birds.

It is the latest example of anti-social behaviour at the spot where swans have also been the target of local yobs. Last month police stepped up patrols in a crackdown on youths wreaking havoc on off-road bikes.

Ken Wall, secretary of the Friends Around The Lea residents' group, condemned the shooting of the goose. He has reported the incident to Walsall Council.

"I was rang by another resident who witnessed the incident at about 6 o'clock on Wednesday(19th)," he said.

"At least one bird was killed, and possibly two. It is obviously very upsetting. I went down there the following day and the carcass was there with a load of feathers next to it.

"I'm really disgusted. We don't want that sort of person using The Lea.

"We fought hard to stop developers building homes on the site but not to see this sort of thing take place.

"We're working with the local police and there have been improvements but this is definitely a setback."

A swan was found dead beside the canal on the south side of The Lea in January. It was originally thought that the bird had been attacked by a fox but environmental officers said gunshot pellets were found nearby.

Forty mopeds and quad bikes were seized by police at The Lea last month after neighbours said gangs racing around the site, making their lives a misery.

Police say they expect even more to be seized in the coming weeks as they continue their campaign.

They also say security needs to be tightened at Rough Wood Country Park after a spate of similar complaints. In Doe Bank Park, Pheasey, four warning notices have been issued to scooter riders. CCTV cameras have been installed in Collingwood Drive and Beechey Close where there is access to Doe Bank park.

Blakenall neighbourhood policeman Sgt Jim Nixon has promised regular high visibility patrols on The Lea and surrounding fields.

Police spokeswoman Gina Lycett said Mr Wall's complaint would be looked into.

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