FEARS have been raised for the safety of swans rummaging in debris which built up under Worcester Bridge during the floods.

But the birds' "fussiness" means they are extremely unlikely to nest at the site, according to Jan Harrigan from Wychbold's Swan Rescue, who was due to assess the litter situation yesterday.

"They won't nest there purely because they are so territorial," she said.

"Less than a quarter of all swans ever find a partner and become a breeding pair and when they do, they find a place like the bank of a canal which is theirs forever.

"They wouldn't nest in groups and it's likely the birds on the river are all singletons."

She said the extent of litter, however, could present problems.

"Rubbish is always a problem as it can move the bed of the river about, which throws up things like tackle," she said.

A spokesman for British Waterways said they had been unable to clear the debris because of the dangerous water levels, but hoped to start on Monday.