Thousands raised for memorial to geese killed in Cotswolds crash
Thousands raised for memorial after geese killed
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Bea Swallow
BBC News, West of England
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Cheryl Agg
There has been an outpouring of grief from villagers, with many writing poems and laying flowers at the crash site
A fundraiser set up to help cover cremation costs and a memorial for two geese killed in a crash has raised more than £3,500.
George and Mildred were cherished by the community in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, and could often be spotted lounging on the riverbank together.
The inseparable pair were hit by a driver on Landsdowne Road at about 17:45 BST on 30 April. The driver spoke to police voluntarily and will not face prosecution.
Keith Steer, who lives opposite their riverside stomping ground, said he came upon the "shocking" scene and voluntarily paid £300 to have them cremated out of respect.
"I thought we can't leave them where they are because it's so hot, and children might pass by, or the foxes could get them overnight. I couldn't let that happen," he said.
"I had a tear in my eye when I saw them. I didn't understand how somebody could do that."
Keith Steer
Mr Steer said the geese would regularly spend time in his garden
There has been an outpouring of grief from villagers, with many writing poems and laying flowers at the crash site.
Mr Steer said the birds had called Bourton-on-the-Water home for the past four years, and residents felt they deserved a more dignified ending.
The money raised will go towards installing a memorial on the riverside.
Suggestions from the community include a mural, a pair of bronze statues, a wooden bench and plaque, or a road sign to remind drivers of the 20mph speed limit.
"That could have been two small children or an older person trying to get across the road. It could have been horrific," Mr Steer said.
"I didn't expect [the fundraiser] to reach the amount it has. It just shows how much people cared about them, and how much they'll be missed."
Sarah Dugdale
The geese were described by locals as "endearing characters" who were very protective of each other
Resident Cleo Carruthers says "the community is in mourning" following their deaths.
"People are really going to miss them, they brightened our days and it was so lovely to have them here," she added.
"I felt so honoured that they came here and chose to stay. It's a tragedy as far as people here are concerned."
Ms Carruthers said speeding was an issue in the area and urged both residents and visitors to "respect the wildlife and the rules of the road" to prevent another loss.
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Residents have said the community "is in mourning" over the loss of the geese
Cotswold Neighbourhood Policing team said the driver had voluntarily come forward with his details and would not face prosecution.
"We understand the upset this has caused in the local community and want to reassure people that we are aware of the incident and enquiries are taking place," it added.
"The investigation shows no offences in relation to the Wildlife and Countryside Act."
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