BURROWING badgers have forced the closure of a second Cumbrian road this month because of their tunnelling.

Cumbria County Council has today announced that the U4279 road, west of Linbeck in Eskdale, is closed until further notice due to the discovery of multiple and mature badger setts.

The extent and environment of the setts suggests a significant number of badgers are active in the area, including young badger cubs.

The county council will work alongside Natural England to ensure that the badger habitats are not damaged or compromised during repair works. Repair works will start only when Natural England have advised it is safe to do so. A diversion is in place via the A595 and Irton.

Earlier this month workmen repairing the surface of the Whinlatter Pass were shocked to discover that its collapse had been caused by the tunnelling of badgers. Twenty badger runs were discovered and extensive repairs had to be made before the road re-opened.

For more information contact the Highways Hotline on 0300 303 2992.