Stuffed sheep keeps traffic in order
(from www.ananova.com - 09 January 2001)
No more sleeping policemen, just stick a Ram in the middle
A stuffed sheep is proving an effective traffic calming measure in a Lake District village.
Shaun the sheep stands guard outside Stothert's carpets and antiques shop in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, next to the busy A6.
Cars frequently speed through the 30mph zone, but many are slowing down to take a second glance at Sean because, as our picture shows, he's so lifelike.
The shop's owners, Patsy and Tim Stothert, keep the stuffed New Zealand Drysdale outside their shop to promote the carpet side of their business.
Patsy told Ananova: "It's a bit of a lark really. It does slow people down because they think it might be real. It's good for us because it makes people look at the shop. I think we have noticed an increase in sales since he was put there in April."
Shaun comes inside each evening and takes shelter when it rains.
Mike Head, from Cumbria Police, said: "Anything which slows traffic down is to be applauded as long as people don't examine it so closely that they take their eyes off the road."
He said Cumbria Police would not be taking up the idea themselves.
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Comments
-
Gregor: Keith would love this!(12/12/2008)
- olly Stothert: cool......(23/08/2005)
