by Gerry Warren

They were once a majestic sight in the Westgate Gardens gliding regally along the River Stour.

But now questions are being asked as to where the swans have gone.

For decades two or three breeding pairs were regular visitors to the picturesque location but now they are seldom seen.

Some say they have been put off by the increased commercialism along the waterway, including activities like punting and boating tours.

Another theory is that they were frightened away by a fireworks display in Toddlers Cove.

Their absence was noted by Gabrielle Raines, of Crown Gardens, who cares for retired greyhounds and regularly walks them along the river.

She said: “They seemed to vanish about the time of the fireworks last October and there was such a noise that I wouldn’t be surprised if it had driven them away.”

But Rod Macleod, who runs the River Navigation Company and operates punts from the bridge by the Westgate Towers, says the character of the river has changed in recent years.

He said: “The tranquillity of the river has been lost since larger boats were licensed.

“I have noticed a signicant decrease in the wildlife and fish and last year there was a pollution incident involving oil.”

But Kent Ornothological Socety member John Cantilow, who lives in Canterbury, thought it was impossible to be sure of the exact reason without having had a long-term study.

He said: “I doubt it was because of the fireworks because they are quite resiliant birds and wouldn’t have been put off by one incident.

“Swans have a lifespan of up to 24 years, so it could simply be that they have died. There are a host of possibilities but may not be anything sinister.”

Jon Shelton, of the Kentish Stour Countryside, said: “The swans are certainly further down river at Tonford and Thanington but maybe they have just moved somewhere quieter.

“We are carrying out an ecological study of the wildlife in the Westgate Gardens and Toddlers Cove and we will want to be sure that any further commercialism does not have an adverse impact on the wildlife.”