Residents in Oswestry are concerned after they found a handful of great crested newts trapped in drains along their road.

The family who live in Ascot Road found the newts as they were walking along the pavement.

Maxine Amos said: "My grandchildren, Theo and Ebony Pearce spotted the newts trapped down the drains. The drains are smelly, full of rubbish and have oil on the surface of the water.

"We do live in a Newt Conservation Area and there is a newt pond opposite the houses on Ascot Road. The pond is now dried up, I don't think its ever held the water.

"When the houses were built the newts were known about and newt fences were erected around the existing ponds. There were also bright blue plastic newt barriers at the foot of everyones' back garden. To my knowledge, these blue barriers were ugly and widely removed by the householders.

"I am well aware that I cannot disturb a Great crested newt as it is a criminal offence but I believe I have seen these down the drains as well as the common newts which my grandchildren were able to catch. We released these immediately into the nearest pond."

Maxine has contacted Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency but has not received any information on what to do about the newts - but she is eager to ensure their safety.

Robin Mager, planning and data officer at Shropshire Wildlife Trust said: "It is likely that the newts in question are great crested newts which have a high level of legal protection and you would normally be risking prosecution if you were to disturb or handle them.

"It is however ok to rescue a great crested newt if it would die otherwise.

"A concern would be that this is one of a number of examples that show that despite the best intentions of the planning process development often has a negative impact on our wildlife."