Love is in the air for toads as road is closed

Last updated at 15:47 26 March 2005


A road which separates a lake from a woodland has been closed to traffic during the night to allow toads to cross, it has emerged.

At this time of year the amorous amphibians cross the road in Llandrindod Wells, mid Wales, just after dusk to reach the lake in order to breed.

Casualties

But running the gauntlet of the traffic has led to hundreds of casualties, and now the local authority has stepped in to prevent more toads being squashed.

A 620 metre stretch of the road is to be closed between 8pm and 6am until April 3, said Councillor Keith Tampin, who represents the town on Powys County Council.

"It is a minor road which runs around the lake, but it is well used by local people," he said. "But everybody is quite happy with it."

Casualties

Julian Jones of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust told BBC Radio Wales that the area used to boast a population of 10,000 toads, but now that number had dwindled to 3,000.

"I don't think the road has helped at all with that," he said.

Mr Jones said that more than 200 toads had already been killed on the road this year before the closure was implemented for the first time last night.

He said he hoped the road closure would be put in place in future years too.

Most watched News videos