Ducks dying without reservoir ramps, say Penistone residents

Len Batty, who also lives nearby, said he had been to the reservoir to rescue live ducklings and remove dead ones “for years at least”.

Like frogs, he said, ducklings need something solid to climb out of the water on because they cannot swim when young.

“[Residents] have put in planks for the ducklings but Yorkshire Water say they’re a health and safety issue too and they’re removed,” he said.

Yorkshire Water said the ramps had been removed for health and safety reasons and could be re-installed once the water level drops at least a metre.

Responding to comments on social media, the company said: “As soon as it is safe we will aim to get these re-installed.”