Swans have a fearsome reputation for protecting their patch from intruders. But in one Lake District town they are taking it to another level, invading the high street, loitering near shops and rifling through bins.

The Windermere swans have been waddling nearly half a mile to Bowness-on-Windermere where they scavenge for scraps outside a Tesco supermarket and fast food outlets.

Some residents have expressed fears that the size of the birds could be intimidating to pedestrians, particularly small children. There is also concern the birds could be hit by passing traffic or be attacked by dogs.

Residents said the swans appeared to have started loitering in the town after tourists were asked to stop feeding them.

For years, visitors to Windermere have stood on the jetty to throw chips and scraps of bread to the waterfowl. But in recent weeks notices have appeared along the shoreline, reading: “Please don’t feed the ducks, geese and swans bread or fast food.”