After a long-standing dispute over road repairs in East Halton, work is finally set to commence on the badger-damaged College Road. Natural England has worked closely with North Lincolnshire Council to secure the required permits, following initial concerns about disturbance to the badger mating season that delayed progress.
Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, shared relief at the developments, noting the considerable disruptions felt by local residents. “This has always been about more than just a road. It’s about residents dealing with long detours, farmers trying to conduct their work, and a community feeling isolated. This breakthrough of being able to resume work is pivotal,” he said.
The problem started when parts of College Road were shut down last October due to the risk of collapse from badger burrowing. Despite initial efforts to establish an alternate sett, the badgers returned, further hindering repair plans.
With the restrictions now removed, the council aims to start the removal of the existing road surface in February. Full reconstruction is scheduled to start in spring with the aim to have the road reopened by May, greatly relieving villager’s stress.
Natural England confirmed they granted the necessary licenses for the work in a timely manner, recognising the challenges the community has been facing. “We completely understand the hardship experienced by the villagers and are gratified that the issue has now been resolved,” a spokesperson said.
