Horrified visitors to Trenance Gardens who have witnessed two resident Mute swans killing ducks and their ducklings are calling for the birds to be moved on.

Residents and visitors want authorities such as Cornwall Council, which owns the site, as well as the RSPB, the RSPCA and Natural England to step in and put a stop to the “annual slaughter”.

But Trenance Cornwall councillor Olly Monk states the swans are legally protected and cannot be moved on.

People, who say they have been traumatised by what has been happening, have not given up hope and are looking to organise a petition to get something done in a bid to “restore harmony” at the boating lake.

Resident Donna James said: “I’ve been emailing various organisations over the past three years regarding the swan’s behaviour. 

“I witnessed many young birds being slaughtered and female adult ducks being drowned. The ducks deplete as the season goes on. 

“No duckings ever survive. It’s sad really as the swans are two males and cannot actually fly high enough over the trees to go to the Gannel or anywhere else. 

“If we got a petition, or one of our councillors wrote to the King or to his secretary, with all the signatures, I'm sure the king would take a sympathetic view and would give permission to move the swans.

“This situation is affecting businesses and tourism, and traumatising people especially children who have to witness this.”

Bianca Wheaton added: “There will be no ducks especially females if these two boys won't be moved. 

“Every year they are slaughtering the ducklings and also bully the hybrid birds that can't fly. I have personally rescued ducks that were in the process of being drowned or beaten.  

“Everyone is unhappy down there as the swans being male are sexually frustrated hence why they are attacking. Something needs to be done.”

Hayley Bisofsky-Pope said: “I called Natural England and they said that Mute swans are protected and that you would need a licence to carry out any action towards them. 

“These licences can take a year to get and need to have the support of a local rescue charity willing to oversee the relocation and their must obviously be a suitable location. Only the landowner can apply for this.”

Cllr Monk said: “The issue of swans drowning ducklings isn't a new one. I remember before the Swans took up residence walking with my then young children and witnessing seagulls swooping down and eating a whole new brood of ducklings. 

“The swans are a legally protected species and cannot be moved. I understand the anguish of people who witness this, but it also shows how close to nature people in Newquay can get.

“Nature is sometimes cruel.”