Toads crossing the road close street in Ham
3:49pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Amy Dyduch
Warning: Toads need access to their natural spawning grounds
Mating toads will reign in a minor section of a street in Ham for the next fortnight as they cross the road to spawn.
Hundreds of toads that live on Ham Common will make the 100m journey across Church Road from their habitat pools to the other side of the road.
Cabinet member for highways Councillor Chris Harrison hoped people living in the area would go out to watch the toads on their daily journey.
Every year, about 100 common toads are killed by cars, so for the past two years the council has closed a part of the street.
A small section of Church Road between Ham Gate Avenue and Latchmere Lane will be closed from 4pm on March 15 and will reopen on April 1 at 8am.
Coun Harrison said: “This migration is driven by the weather as the toads like warm, wet conditions.
“So whilst it will be difficult for us to predict exact dates and times, we will do our best to avoid inconvenience for the public.”
Temporary signs have been put up and a diversion is in place via Ham Gate Avenue, Upper Ham Road and Church Road.
