AFTER my recent experience when a mad motorcyclist did a wheelie across Kirkhall Lane junction, reader David Sykes contacted me about his own alarming escapade on the by-pass.

In this case it wasn't a wassock on the road but a oiseau in the air that was the perpetrator.

Leigh-based David was travelling past the Flash when a swan appeared in full flight through a break in the trees, its neck fully extended, and crossing only 10 ft above the tarmac.

He said it was a magnificent sight but afterwards realised it could have caused a serious accident on this 50 mph stretch.

If a high-sided lorry driver hit or was distracted by a bird of this size, the consequences don't bear thinking about.

At this time of year it is not inconceivable that breeding swans carry out these manoeuvres several times a day and the risk of such a collision must be significantly high.

David suggests a "low flying bird" warning could be erected to warn drivers to be cautious.

At least it is one road sign that would be of some significance.