Badger Damage to Mablethorpe Road Exceeds Initial Estimates

Lincolnshire County Council has stated that the damage inflicted upon a primary road in Mablethorpe by burrowing badgers is “more severe than first thought.” Initially, the council indicated that the presence of badgers on the A52 Seaholme Road would escalate the repair costs by £100,000; however, this amount is now anticipated to rise further. As badgers are a protected species, the council obtained a licence from Natural England to excavate the road and disrupt the badger setts. This work must be finalized prior to the end of November to minimize disruption to the badgers’ breeding cycle. The issue initially came to light when cracks and holes emerged on the A52, near Mablethorpe town centre. While a large badger sett exists within the grounds of a nearby residence, it is believed that the badgers have broadened their tunnel system in recent years. The sandy soil beneath the coastal community is thought to facilitate easy tunnelling for the badgers. Deacon Roger Crow, from St Joseph’s Catholic Church, situated near the setts, reported damage to walls adjacent to the church. He stated, “We’ve seen badger paw prints on the gas supply.” He further commented, “We don’t know whether the main building has been damaged, but we are getting quotes for a ground-penetrating radar survey to investigate. The front section of St Joseph’s has shown signs of subsidence and cracking in recent years and we have our suspicions.” Local resident Des Barnett expressed his conviction that the subterranean tunnel network is “extensive.” He remarked, “I’ve been told that there are actually 18 setts in a nearby garden and there might be a need for further excavation to encourage the badgers back.” Lincolnshire County Council reported that specialists had secured the initial tunnel system when a subsequent one was discovered. These newer tunnels extend beneath the latter half of the road. Councillor Richard Davies, the executive member for highways, commented, “The frustration with getting these badger works sorted is growing. We are working as hard as we can to restore this road so that the people of Mablethorpe can get on with their daily lives in the way they expect. Whilst the badgers are being very well accommodated, Mablethorpe road users are having to bear the brunt of some serious disruption in their area. It feels very unfair.” Sue Wilson, a local resident, informed the BBC that she found it encouraging that the council is collaborating with wildlife experts to execute the project. She stated, “The badgers were here first and they are now surrounded by a semi-urban environment, not a rural environment where they can dig their setts and tunnels with impunity.” Lincolnshire County Council indicated its aspiration for the road to be reopened by 20 November, though “unforeseen factors” might delay this timeline closer to the month’s end.