Final day for Let's Go Quackers as video shows clumsy duck climber
The Let's Go Quackers art trail was coming to an end today, as a video emerged of a woman climbing on one of the ducks at Southwater.
Although the giant ducks have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors, a small few have mistreated them.
Despite signs warning people to stay off them for safety reasons, people have been spotted climbing on them for photographs.
This footage, taken from a video sent in by a reader, shows a man helping a woman onto the Coalbrookdrake duck, near Harvester in Southwater, before snapping a photo of her riding it.
WATCH: Woman clambers on top of art trail duck
It’s the latest in a line of people misusing the art trail.
Four of the 10 ducks were vandalised within a week of arriving in Southwater, including one incident where a man punched the Lady Victoria duck “because he was angry”. Vandals also pulled the Peace Duck from its pedestal and chucked it in the River Severn.
Nevertheless Telford & Wrekin’s mayor said the Let’s Go Quackers ducks had been a “wonderful birthday present” to the town.
The 10 giant ducks were hugely popular during their initial run in Ironbridge before they were moved to Southwater for the summer.
Today is the last day to see them before they go into storage, where they will be spruced up ready to be auctioned off next month.
Councillor Raj Mehta, Telford & Wrekin’s mayor, said the trail had been superb.
“Thank you to the Let’s Go Quackers team,” he said.
“What they have done in Telford has been superb. What an attraction for Telford’s 50th year – what a beautiful birthday present.”
Fundraiser
So far the trail has raised more than £10,500, with all funds being split between Severn Hospice and the Jayne Sargent Foundation.
Organiser Julie Ward said: “It’s been an amazing project. We set out to increase footfall, encourage people to enjoy our area, raise smiles and money for the charities – and we can tick all those boxes.
“I am so grateful for Telford & Wrekin Council believing in me and the project and awarding me the Pride In Your Community funding.
“The ducks have brought our community together. What a way to remember the Telford 50 anniversary.”
The ducks were on display in Ironbridge until July 8, and then was moved to Southwater on July 14.
During their time on display volunteers have been on hand to raise funds – and more has been collecting through an online crowdfunding page.
More is set to be collected early next month when the ducks, along with a set of miniatures, will go under the hammer at Charlton School off Apley Avenue, in Wellington on September 3.
Viewing will be from 5pm to 7pm and the bidding will start promptly at 7.30pm with auctioneer Nigel P. Davis.
The evening will feature a performance by the Telford and District Light Operatic Players (Tadlop) and a photo booth for guests.
For more information or to donate to the cause visit gofundme.com/5gtxjn4