It’s a battle of the badgers in Mablethorpe as the menacing mammals reek havoc on the seaside town, causing roads to collapse and prompting residents to say ‘something’s got to be done’
Badgers have been reeking havoc in Mablethorpe and residents say ‘something’s got to be done’
Badgers have been causing chaos in a Lincolnshire town, wrecking footpaths and tunnelling under roads causing them to collapse.
Now, the people of Mablethorpe have come together to stand up to the striped menaces saying “something’s got to be done”. Work has begun on repairing the roads, irritating residents with temporary traffic lights – all because of the mischievous creatures. Workers have been told by Natural England that they must finish the work by the end of November, when badger mating season begins, or the road could be out of use until July 2025
It is clear amongst residents of the coastal town that the badgers have to be dealt with. However, getting rid of the them isn’t black and white as everybody has mixed emotions. The animals are causing a nuisance and damaging infrastructure, but they are also a welcome site to see.
Des Barnett has lived in the town for nearly three years and the roadworks are taking place right outside his home. He said: “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.
“The traffic lights were more inconvenient. We’re allowed in and out through the barriers and in the evening we can move them ourselves as long as we put them back.
“Having said that, 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. I don’t want anything untoward to happen to them but I’m a believer that they’ve got to be controlled in certain areas.
“The road collapsed and was like a little sinkhole. It’s a dangerous corner so the work had to be done.”
One resident, Mrs Barnett, who has lived in the town for 17 years, said: “There have been badgers there for years. It’s causing a lot of traffic issues but it’s alright for walking. They cull badgers in lots of places. It’s nice to see a badger walking up the road but I think they’re a bit troublesome.”
Another resident, 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, or when the top road is closed as well.
“It’s caused massive disruption. I agree that the badgers were here first but surely they can be re-homed, then it’s a solution for everyone.”