RESIDENTS are being urged to stop feeding Mistley's swans near the road out of fear for their safety.

Swanwatch, a charity which monitors and feeds the birds that live in and around the River Stour, has put out a leaflet to help residents know what to do if they want to feed the swans.

It says: "Traditionally in Mistley people have fed swans that gather on the greensward adjacent to the road.

"However, this is no longer advised, it is not safe.

"Mistley is not the small quiet village it once was. The road is consistently busy, and there is a significant increase in traffic.

"A compromise is suggested in regard to feeding safely. Please feed the swans away from the dangers of the road."

The charity has also asked that mouldy bread is not fed to swans and any bread is fed near or in water else it poses a choking hazard.