'Remarkable' fundraising for rescue centre repair

A rescue centre has said a "remarkable" fundraising response from the public means repair work can soon begin on waterfowl pools damaged during Storm Goretti.

In January, Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock said the storm ruined mesh, netting and metal supporting poles on both of its pools, as well as the surface of one of them.

The centre, which has been caring for animals for more than 40 years, said £7,000 has so far been raised of its £10,000 target.

Work is scheduled to begin within the next week, it said on Facebook, and appealed for any more donations.

"Work is scheduled to begin within the next week, and we are quietly confident that the pools will be fit and ready for use before the influx of ducks, baby ducklings, swans, cygnets and other waterfowl that will no doubt be needing our rescue and rehabilitation services very soon," Cuan said.

It described the money as a "phenomenal amount" towards it target.

"Thank you everyone for your support, you truly do astound us with your generosity, we can only continue our work with wildlife because of your support," it added.

Assistant manager Becky Lewis previously told the BBC the swans had temporarily used a shallow pool inside the rescue centre while the outdoor pools were out of use, but said these were "so small" the birds were unable to swim.

Storm Goretti saw snow batter Shropshire and other areas in the West Midlands, and an amber weather alert was put into place.

Roads, schools and transport services were affected, and more than 10,000 homes in Shropshire lost power.

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