Record numbers of protest letters, texts, emails and website messages have flooded in to the County Times and www.wscountytimes.co.uk from the people of Horsham district, in opposition to the migration.

Residents have branded the decision as complete madness - and accused the Swan Walk owners of sheer arrogance and stupidity for ripping out the heart and soul of the shopping complex without any public consultation.

Many said the 'safety and environmental' reason given was 'pathetic' – a case of political correctness taken to extremes.

Swan Walk this week confirmed the decision was final and that much of the work to remove the popular centre piece was already well underway.

Horsham District Council this week refused to criticise Swan Walk's management or press for a change of heart, but chief executive Tom Crowley moved to distance the council from the decision – making it clear that the removal of the swans was down entirely to the shopping centre's owners.

For the full report see the County Times.

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