A team of toad patrol officers has been tasked to ensure migrating amphibians make it safely across the road in Ham.

The toads, which live on Ham Common, are currently breeding and will make the 100-metre journey from their habitat to nearby pools to spawn over the next three to four weeks.

This involves crossing Church Road, which is a potentially life and death trek, and two other roads near the common.

Part of Church Road has been closed by Richmond Council is order to limit the risk, while volunteer patrol officers are also being deployed to carry the toads and ensure they are not squashed by passing vehicles.

A spokesperson said: "To ensure the safety of the toads, a small section of Church Road (between Ham Gate Avenue and Latchmere Lane) will be closed from Monday, February 27 until Monday 27 March 27.

"This year, we also have another toad patrol on Ham Common across the two adjacent roads. These roads will not be closed.

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"To aid the toads on their journey, small fencing has been installed along the edge of the common to enable the toad patrol patrollers to pick them up and help them over the highway to complete their onward journey."

Temporary signage has been erected by the Council to warn drivers about the toad migration. There will be a diversion in place to avoid the closed road, which is via Ham Gate Avenue, Upper Ham Road and Church Road and vice versa.