DUCKLINGS are dying after a preventative mesh to stop them falling down a tunnel was removed by a local authority, distressed residents have claimed.

Running through Pontnewydd, in Cwmbran, is a canal, where ducks head to breed during the breeding season.

But resident Gareth Turner has warned ducklings are falling into a culvert and getting killed.

“Right at the bottom of the canal is a big drop,” said Mr Turner, who lives in Commercial Road.

“Then below that is a tunnel which is about half-a-mile long, leading to the next lock.

“Each year hundreds of ducklings fall in and get killed.

“Or, after falling in, cannot get out and either get attacked by herons and seagulls or die in the tunnel.”

He added: “This has been going on for about 10 years.

“Thousands of ducklings in total have needlessly died.”

In a desperate attempt to save ducklings, the 62-year-old carpenter decided to create a fence made of mesh and place it above the tunnel.

He said: “It allowed the water to flow through easily but stopped the ducklings falling through.

“On a few occasion before I made it, I actually got into the tunnel to get some ducklings out. My daughter has also phoned the fire service to get them out.

“It is very distressing.”

But Torfaen County Borough Council has removed the fencing on several occasions, says Mr Turner.

His daughter, Alys, said: “I have seen with my own eyes that the fence works in protecting the ducklings.

“The fence was made of mesh it did not cause any flooding.

“But the council keep coming to remove it.”

A council spokesman said it could not allow any fencing or other structures which could prevent draining.

He said: “A few families of ducks nest above this culvert each year and any ducklings falling through should simply float through to the lock below.

“The council has to balance any risk to wildlife with the risk of flooding.

“Over the years there have been several storm events that have caused flooding to the shops in Pontnewydd village and as a result we can’t allow any fencing or other structures that could prevent the canal from properly draining at this point.”