Danger - do not feed the ducks

Families have been banned from feeding ducks on a village pond - because council chiefs say it's too risky.

Councillors fear toxins in the birds' droppings might harm children, and claim left-over bread causes pollution and attracts rats.



They also say additives in bread are bad for the digestive systems of the pond's nine mallards.

Officials have put up a notice banning duck feeding at the 400-year-old pond in Oakley, near Basingstoke, Hants.

Oakley and Deane Parish Council admits they have little proof to back up the fears but denied it was overreacting - despite some villagers complaining at the "nanny state" style ban.