Road reopens months after badger sett halts work

Badgers and their setts are protected by law under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992

A road that was partially closed for seven months after a badger sett was found beneath it has now reopened.

The sett was discovered under the B1127 at Hulver, near Beccles, Suffolk, in April while temporary traffic lights were being installed for pothole repairs.

Badgers and their setts are protected by law and it is illegal to interfere with them without a licence from Natural England, particularly during the breeding months, according to the Badger Trust.

Last month, the sett was monitored by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and following repairs, the road was considered safe to reopen by Suffolk Highways.

The B1127 in Hulver was partially closed for seven months

While some nearby residents were angered by the delay, others told BBC Radio Suffolk that they welcomed the impact of the temporary traffic lights.

Stuart, who lives in Hulver, said: "We actually quite liked the traffic lights here because it made the traffic predictable.

"We have no path here and it slowed the traffic down, so when we walked out of our house we could go 'that light's green'… we can walk safely."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, added: "I'm sure there could have been a better remedy than there was and it could have been speeded up a lot quicker."