Round-the-clock security to guard giant ducks from Telford vandals
Round the clock security has been put in place to guard an art trail of ducks to prevent vandal attacks.
The 10 hand-painted ducks are being displayed at Telford’s Southwater before they are auctioned off for charity next month.
But, after a spate of incidents that left two of the Let’s Go Quackers exhibits damaged while on display in Ironbridge earlier this year, security guards have been tasked with keeping them from harm.
The Ironbridge incidents even included one where a duck was ripped from its pedestal and thrown in to the River Severn.
Now that the ducks have moved from Ironbridge to Southwater action has been taken to tighten security.
Arts trail organiser Julie Ward set up the ducks project to raise money for the Severn Hospice and the Jayne Sargent Foundation.
She said: “Business Watch has donated a security guard to keep an eye on the ducks as part of their duties.
“That is literally hundreds of pounds in man hours and we can’t thank them enough. The company wants to be community minded and this is one of the ways that it’s doing that.
“The arts trail is hoping to raise lot of money for the two charities,” Mrs Ward said.
She also revealed that the fund has hit the £10,000 mark.
The colourful collection was designed by school pupils, community groups and artists who took part in a competition which attracted 100 entrants.
The best 10 were used to create the exhibition.
Volunteers have since taken part in street collections to give shoppers an opportunity to donate cash to the project.
Mrs Ward added: “People have really taken the ducks to their hearts.
“We have reached the £10,000 mark, which is halfway towards our £20,000 target. We have had a licence to collect money this weekend and will be in Southwater today from 10am to 10pm and from 10am to 6pm tomorrow.
"If anybody would like to come and give us a hand, they're welcome to join us during those times.
"Last weekend we collected £537 and were helped by the fact that people are coming to the Telford Town Park for the Big Top shows."
The project has also been boosted by the creation of seven miniature ducks, measuring 12.5ins, based on some of the giant originals, which will also be donated at the auction on September 3.
In total 17 will be going under the hammer at the event at Charlton School off Apley Avenue, in Wellington.
Viewing will be be from 5pm to 7pm and the bidding will start promptly at 7.30pm with auctioneer Nigel Key-Davis.
The evening will feature a performance by the Telford and District Light Operatic Players (TADLOP) and a photo booth for guests.
