FISHING wire has had to be removed from another of the Dawlish Black Swans.

The incident has again highlighted the dangers to the town’s waterfowl of fishing in the Brook.

Town councillor Scott Williams was one of the rescuers who managed to remove the line.

He said: ‘I held by first swan removing a fishing line caught in its throat.

‘Swans feel like pillows!

‘Can people please stop fishing in the Brook.’

This is the latest incident in which fishing hooks and wires have been swallowed by the swans.

Now a warning has been issued that the next time it could be fatal.

In July, two swans were save by the town’s waterfowl wardens after ingesting fishing lines.

Since the team of volunteers from WADE - Waterways Around the Dawlish Environment - was set up, the water quality of the Brook has greatly improved.

This has led to a boost in the population of fish, particularly large trout are regularly seen.

Cllr Williams said: ‘There are more fish in the Brook than usual but that doesn’t meant people should fish.

‘As far as the condition of the Brook is concerned, it has gravel in it and banks but that’s natural to any river course and the tiding up exercise has improved things and the water condition is excellent.’

Onlooker Linda Marsh said: ‘It be nice if people would stop fishing in the Brook.

‘The poor swan had to have this hook cut from its mouth.’

Dawlish Town Council has previously asked people to be ‘mindful’ if they see any fishing line laying about the Brook or the Lawn area.

Fishing is banned in the Brook unless a special licence is authorised by Devon County Council.

But the town council is currently exploring the possibility of applying for a bylaw to ban all fishing in the Brook.

If you see someone fishing in the Brook report to the waterfowl wardens on 07979 836300 or call police on 101 or the Environment Agency on 03708 506506.