IT was a case of swan way traffic in Darlington on Friday morning.

A mother and her babies, believed to have come from Drinkfield Marsh, held up traffic on Whessoe Road and got nearby residents and business owners in something of a flap.

Phil Harburn, director of MT Print, helped guide the birds back in the direction of the nearby Marsh after they called in to his premises just after 10am.

"We were looking for a delivery and I looked outside and saw a lady at the gate trying to block it," he said. "The swans were jusr resting in our car park, sat down.

The Northern Echo: The swans take a stroll Photo: Debbie Wise

The swans take a stroll Photo: Debbie Wise

"At first I just saw the two, but we opened the door and we saw a little family of them all in a line.

"The male was trying to walk off with them and our initial thought was to try and keep them from the busy road, but after speaking to the RSPB they said we were better off letting them go, but try and guide them and if we had any problems, especially with traffic, ring the police."

Mr Harburn said the male swan wasn't too clear of their intentions.

"The male, especially with having the little ones, was being quite protective," he said. "The little ones were getting tired and kept on sitting down and getting back up again."

Mr Harburn said they managed to coax the birds across the road after stopping the traffic and they headed off back towards the marsh with the lady who had initially spotted them.

"It was a bit of light relief after the referendum," he said. "Waking up to that disaster, this was a bit of a lighter story."

It is understood the birds also caused a hold up on Thursday.

Gemma Thompson, who saw that incident, said: "Myself and a friend were outside our house watching our children playing when I saw two swans and four babies come past us.

"We believe they came from Drinkfield Marsh as we live just near there. They headed onto Whessoe Road. 

"With quick-thinking, I ran in the house to get bread to try and get them off the road. 

"We led them to a car park and then we didn't know what to do. I rang the police and the RSPCA, but neither could help.

"Some lads came to help and then a man I believe was called Vic bravely picked one of the babies up and led the swans and babies back to the reserve safely.
"It could have been a different story if it wasn't for him."