The geese which are the symbol of a west Suffolk village are now back in healthy numbers.

East Anglian Daily Times: Numbers of geese are up in BeytonNumbers of geese are up in Beyton (Image: Archant)

Numbers of the Beyton geese had been dwindling, but due to overwhelming support from the village a flock of 15 now roams around the green.

Last year questions were raised about whether the geese should stay due to concerns for their safety because of the roads.

However, Roger Wyartt, vice chairman of Beyton Parish Council, explained a survey of the whole village at the end of last year had found 78% of people wanted the geese to be restored on the green.

He said the one survivor had four eggs which hatched and 10 more were purchased to make a flock of 15.

He said: “The news they are coming back has been greeted with total enjoyment not only from residents of the village, but folk from outside who have missed them when they were driving through. There’s been a remarkable level of interest in a flock of geese on the green.”

Mr Wyartt said when the parish council carried out the survey a number of people said they would like to make a contribution to help restore the geese, adding if everyone was as good as their word it would be self funding.

He said people have been asked not to feed or play with the geese, which have their own shed on the green, so the birds could “behave like a flock of geese should behave” and could be self-reliant.

He said the roads were a danger, but there was a 30mph speed limit, signs and a community speed watch group.

“We are trying to do everything we can to mitigate the effects of the roads,” he said.