A duck has forced demolition crews working on a major regeneration project in Northamptonshire to down tools.
South Northamptonshire Council has called a halt to some of the demolition works at Moat Lane in Towcester after a nesting mallard duck was found near a wall which was earmarked for demolition.
In two other buildings, two separate bird nests, complete with eggs, were discovered in the rafters of buildings that were also due to be knocked down.
Councillor Rupert Fordham, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration said: “Work around the nesting sites has been suspended to protect the duck, the birds and their broods.
“While any delay to a project is frustrating, good working practices are such that we have to wait for nature to take its course and the eggs to hatch.”
The arrival of the ducklings and birds is expected within the next couple of weeks. Once they have fledged their nests work will continue.
Work on the first phase of Moat Lane, which includes a new community building is due for completion in 2014.