Badgers have wreaked havoc in a seaside town after their underground tunnelling led to road collapses and infrastructure damage.
The burrowing mammals have caused significant disruption to the coastal community of Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, with their activities resulting in collapsed footpaths and dangerous sinkholes appearing in local roads.
Local authorities have been forced to implement emergency repairs across the town, with temporary traffic lights and road closures now a common sight for frustrated residents.
The situation has become so severe that townspeople have united in their calls for action, saying “something’s got to be done” about the destructive creatures.
Seaside town wages war on burrowing badgers after pesky critters wreak havoc on roadsPhilippe Clement/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesWorkers are now racing against time to complete essential road repairs in the town as Natural England has set a strict deadline, requiring all work to be finished by the end of November before the badger mating season begins.
If repairs aren’t completed within this tight timeframe, the affected roads could remain unusable until July 2025, causing extended disruption for local residents.
Des Barnett, whose home sits adjacent to the ongoing roadworks, shared his experiences with the disruption.
“I have to admit I’ve never seen a badger but other residents say they have. We had the first lot of traffic lights up on August 4,” he said.
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While acknowledging the inconvenience, he noted residents have been allowed through the barriers when needed.
“Something’s got to be done with the badgers, I believe. There’s no natural predator for badgers so I don’t know what the answer is,” he explained.
He added: “The road collapsed and was like a little sinkhole. It’s a dangerous corner so the work had to be done.”
Other residents have also voiced their concerns about the ongoing disruption.
Burrowing badgers thousands in road damage
PA
Mrs Barnett, a 17-year resident of the town, said: “There have been badgers there for years.
“It’s causing a lot of traffic issues but it’s alright for walking. It’s nice to see a badger walking up the road but I think they’re a bit troublesome.”
Catherine Darlaston added: “The road closure has caused many traffic issues in the area. It’s an inconvenience when I want to go to Skegness or what have you.
“I agree that the badgers were here first but surely they can be re-homed, then it’s a solution for everyone.”