Badgers force closure of popular Lake District pass (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Badgers force closure of popular Lake District pass
2:54pm Friday 31st August 2012 in News
BUSY badgers have forced the closure of a popular Lake District road.
The Whinlatter Pass (B5292) is being shut for essential repair works after a sett was discovered underneath.
“A collapse in the road surface was discovered yesterday following heavy rain and when the problem was inspected closely it was discovered that voids underneath the road had been created by a badger sett,” said a Cumbria County Council spokesman. “Because badger setts are protected in law the repairs will need to take this into account. As a consequence this, will delay the re-opening of the road.”
The county council is working with Natural England for the most appropriate way to re-open the road whilst still protecting the badger sett.
The road is closed west from Woodlands for a 20 metre stretch. A diversionary route for motorists is available by following the B5292, onto the A66 for 11miles, A5086 then onto Station Road and Lorton Street, returning to the B5292.
