Swans at Earlswood Lakes will be under close watch following the confirmed case of the deadly strain of avian flu in a similar bird in Scotland.

Residents are being urged to carry on as normal, but if they do see dead wildfowl to report it immediately.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, which is responsible for the upkeep of the popular Redhill beauty spot, has sought advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

A spokesman said: "We have spoken to DEFRA about what they would like us to do. If people see dead wildfowl do not touch it. Either ring the council on the helpline number or ring DEFRA directly."

Referring to Earlswood Lakes, she added: "We have staff down there every day anyway, so will be keeping an eye out for anything unusual."

Health experts say the current risk to the public remains low. Dr Graham Henderson, director of public health at East Surrey Primary Care Trust, said: "None of this should stop people enjoying feeding the ducks in the park or cancelling visits to the local countryside or the continent."

If people see a dead swan, goose or duck or three or more dead wild or garden birds together in the same place, they should report it on the DEFRA helpline on 0845 933 5577. The borough council's helpline is 01737 276000.