Cannock couple rescue swan stuck on verge

A quick-thinking driver and his wife swooped to the rescue of a distressed swan in Cannock.

Andrew Poyner and wife Lynne were driving along the A34 when they noticed a swan stuck on a verge and unable to cross the busy road.

They called the Highways Agency and police, but the couple decided to take matters into their own hands as they were concerned they would not be able to get there in time.

So the couple, who live in Heath Hayes, stopped their car and managed to halt traffic as they helped the creature cross the road.

Mr Poyner then helped the swan back to its natural environment in a nearby pool.

Mrs Poyner today said she was proud of the actions of her husband, a chief engineer.

She said: "It was looking very distressed and by stopping the cars we were able to get it over the road and closer to a nearby pool.

"It was very busy and vehicles were travelling along the road at around 60mph."

She added: "Andrew then gently coaxed the swan across the road and when it reached the verge on the other side he managed to capture it.

"As we thanked all the drivers for slowing down, they were applauding him. We then had to walk some 200 yards to the lake where Andrew gently released the swan.

"I think it was very brave of him to stop a possible accident occurring and he showed no fear in handling what can be a very powerful bird," she added.

"I think if we hadn't of stopped things could have ended up a lot worse for the poor bird and I am really proud of him," she said.

It is not the first time caring people have stopped to help swans in trouble in the region. Towards the end of last year conservationists from Bumble Hole nature reserve, in Netherton, Dudley, helped nine swans who were found covered in motor oil dumped in storm drains on a nearby estate.

They were later nursed back to health and released back onto the reserve.