WALTHAM Forest residents are being asked to stay vigilant for fear that birds infected with avian flu may arrive in Britain soon.

With the deadly H5N1 strain of the disease thought to have been found in a dead duck in France, local authorities are on high alert.

The council says it has made robust plans for dealing with bird flu and has chlorinated fountains in the borough, including the one in front of the town hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow, to prevent contamination from bird faeces in the water.

A spokeswoman for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: "Our rangers have been monitoring for sick or dead birds for some time and will continue their patrols in a heightened state of alert.

"We request that the public remain vigilant and urge them not to approach any dead or sick birds. They should report any incident to us so we may take the appropriate action."

The Corporation of London, which is responsible for Epping Forest including the big waterbird lake, Connaught Waters, in Rangers Road, Chingford, and the Hollow Ponds, Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, said it was maintaing a high state of vigilance.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone urged people to minimise contact with the capital's pigeons.

He said: "There is no cause for immediate alarm, but we also have to take all prudent steps to ensure that we do not do anything to encourage or assist diseases spreading."

The advice from the Government is that there is no danger from eating well-cooked poultry or taking part in normal bird watching activities.

If coming into closer contact with birds, sensible basic hygiene should be practised.

The Lee Valley Park Authority can be contacted on 01992 709 833.