ENSURING park ducks' health will leave councillors with a modest bill.

Members of South Swindon Parish Council’s leisure committee spent several minutes discussing proposals to fix new signs warning visitors to town centre beauty spot Queen’s Park against feeding bread to ducks.

A motion had been brought by Coun Michael Dickinson, who after ruffling feathers by proposing the debate was unable to make the Tuesday night meeting.

However, councillors flew through the discussion in his absence.

Steve Allsopp, a parish councillor for Walcot and Park North, said: “I’m fully behind the sentiment behind the proposal, but I wonder when we look at this could we be a bit more positive.”

He suggested the council make it clear what foods were good for birds. The RSPB recommends swapping white bread for healthier natural treats like oats or defrosted garden peas. Last year, a spokesman for the charity said: "It’s a bit like if we eat too much bread or food like it. We feel fine to start with but then we can feel bloated and sluggish."

Coun Nick Burns-Howell (Old Town) backed the recommendation, fearing “in the past as a child I may have been led astray by my parents”.

Councillors approved a recommendation to install more sign boards in Queen’s Park for posters already drawn up by the park’s community council, advising people against feeding the ducks. Healthy bird food is available from the park café.