MANAGERS at Alexandra Business Park say a recent incident involving a swan with a fish hook caught in its mouth has prompted them to issue a complete ban on people using- the site.

In early June, RSPCA staff had to catch a swan from the lake on the site and remove the hook - and 50-60ft of fish-line which was trailing behind - from its beak.

Managers say the site, off Alexandra Drive, is now completely off-limits for fishing, walking or otherwise, due not just to this incident, but rubbish being dumped repeatedly on the site, which, they say, is "detrimental to business and the environment".

Extra security patrols are being implemented, according to bosses, and anyone found on the site will be escorted away from the area.

Andrea Taylor, property manager at Alexandra Business Park, said: "The swan was really the catalyst to take action for what has been considered a problem by the management company for a while.

"We feel that trespassers are having a negative impact upon resident wildlife, as we have had several instances of wildfowl being ensnared by hooks and fishing lines."

She added: "The sheer volume of rubbish, broken glass and dog mess being discarded and strewn in and around the lake is quite shocking and we have reached the point now where we feel enough is enough.

"We are trying our best to revitalise not just Alexandra Park but the wider community by encouraging commercial enterprises into our business park, which is positive for everyone.

"Showing prospective clients around rubbish-strewn grounds is frankly not great for business and that is why we have called time on all unauthorised persons from using the site."

Amongst other measures, extra security patrols will take place during the day and night to ensure that people are escorted off the site and understand that they no longer have access.

Andrea said: "The users of the lake and grassed areas may feel hard done by, by our policy. However, we feel it is the only course of action that will force change, because things cannot continue in the same vein."