No duck house for Stroud

JOHN BRUM spent three months and over £400 constructing a wooden duck house to float on the Stroud Canal without first discovering if it was allowed.

It was not, for soon after he floated it on the water opposite his house it was seen by council officials who told him to remove it.

Obstruct boats

He did not believe it would cause any problems as the waterway was not open, but still the council told him it would obstruct boats so it must be removed.

When he pointed out there were no boats, the council officials reminded him that it was a safety hazard as children would climb on to it and perhaps hurt themselves.  It was also secured by a chain stretching over the towpath.

Attracted moorhens

Very soon after he floated the 5ft by 4ft structure it had attracted moorhens, but it was just a short distance from the council offices at Ebley Mill so it attracted council officers too.

As John has not removed it, council workers will do so. It is expected the waterway will be open by the end of this year, and will attract canoeists.  As to its future, he hopes someone with a pond or lake will be interested in his duck house.