A SCARECROW has had its collar felt for imitating a police officer.

Christopher Strong of Mickle Trafford noticed cars began slowing down when he placed the imitation speed cop outside his home on the A56 as his entry into the Mickle Trafford Scarecrow Trail.

Local police supported the scarecrow's effect on traffic, but officers from Cheshire Police Tutor Unit told him to take it down.

Mr Strong said: 'They said there had been complaints from people about it being a traffic hazard because drivers are braking suddenly.

'I would ask why these drivers are driving so fast they feel the need to slow down, but apparently if someone was injured I could be liable.

'They said that it might be a case of impersonating a police officer. To me that just seems daft - his head is made of straw!'

Glyn Hellam of Cheshire Police two officers attended after two complaints from members of the public.

He added: 'The scarecrow could have been a distraction to drivers and caused some traffic issues.'

Sgt Andy Smith of Mickle Trafford police station - who was not part of the team who asked Mr Strong to remove the scarecrow said he supports the spirit and aim of the statue.

He added: ''I do think it is a positive thing and my observation is that if drivers are travelling at a reasonable speed they will immediately see it is just a scarecrow.

'Our approach locally is that all initiatives to slow down speeding are welcome, although we don't want to cause any accidents.'

Mr Strong's scarecrow has now been relocated on a private drive away from the main road.

* The Mickle Trafford Scarecrow Trail has been organised by the village school PTA to raise money for the school. Scarecrows can be seen around the village until the village fete on Saturday, June 30 and maps are available from the post office.

* See next week's Chronicle for photos of the exhibits.