View 4 Images

Residents are heartbroken over the death of a black swan who had become a local celebrity.

We reported last month how a little-known pond in Wigan had become a magnet for visitors after the arrival of the rare black swan who locals named Fernando, in reference to its feathering and white fan tail looking like a Spanish dancing dress.

But sadly this week the red-billed bird has died along with another at Clayhole Park, in Hindley Green, and swans on the canal in Leigh.

While the cause of their deaths hasn't been confirmed there have been reports of avian influenza (bird flu) in the region and across the UK.

Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE

Following the escalating number of confirmations of bird flu in kept and wild birds, the government has ordered a mandatory hou

See Full Page