As a small group of residents are hitting the streets to save the lives of hundreds of frogs who are being flattened on a busy bus route.

As evening rush hour hits, the amphibians are waking from a peaceful hibernation in gardens in the area and making a break for the pond on the other side of John O' Gaunt's Way.

Armed with torches and buckets a small group of residents are pounding the pavements scooping up the frogs and escorting them safety to the pond.

Leader of the pack, Janice Critchley, noticed a large number of the frogs flattened on the road when she moved to the area two years ago.

She said: "With all the buses and cars I can't bare the thought of them getting squashed. I thought, I am fed up with seeing this, and I can't ignore it so I got out with a bucket and a torch.

"I was scared stiff of picking them up two years ago but with rubber gloves you can do anything."

Last year with the help of some neighbours and friends they moved more than 500 frogs including some toads to safety.
Now the troop of froggy saviours are appealing to locals to come out and help.

Janice said: "It's like doing circuit training there's a huge crossing area it goes all the way down to the sports centre – they just keep appearing all the time.
"I miss it when I do sit down and switch the television on. I would feel guilty if I stopped to be honest."

Janice said the chances of a crossing being put in for the frogs is unlikely as they are not, like toads, an endangered species. She added that because of this they are often regarded as second class citizens.

Janice said that the frogs even face persecution from some drivers who try to run them over intentionally.

But frogs are in fact good news as they eat insects and bugs and also polish off the gardeners' enemy – the slug.

Anyone who can spare a few hours to save an amphibian can contact the Belper News' office for details on 01773 881105.
The frogs are most likely to be out on warm and wet nights this month at any time from 5pm to 11pm.

Drivers who are too busy to head out with bucket and torch are also invited to be more frog friendly – and slow down!

Debbie.lockett@belpernews.co.uk