Burrowing badgers have caused £100,000 worth of damage to a road in Lincolnshire, forcing the county council to schedule emergency repairs.
The mammals dug a sett under the A52 at Seaholme Road in Mablethorpe, threatening the road's stability.
Lincolnshire County Council faced delays in addressing the issue due to badger protection laws, requiring a licence from Natural England before work could begin.
The council had hoped to carry out repairs earlier but was constrained by red tape in the licence approval process.
Councillor Richard Davies explained: "In total, these works are going to cost us an additional £100,000 to complete."
All work on badger setts must be completed between July and the end of November to avoid interfering with the badgers' mating season.
The scheduling of repairs has been further complicated by existing road closures on the A1104 for resurfacing work. This has created traffic flow issues in Mablethorpe.
Councillor Davies said: "Our hands are tied about scheduling these conflicting works.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- 'You lied!' Camilla Tominey scolds Labour MP after 'insulting' GB News viewers
- Reform UK casts major shadow over Tory party as membership slumps
- Asda unveils Christmas 2024 advert featuring fan-favourite gnomes
"We have no option but to get this additional programme up and running straight away."
The council cannot pause the A1104 scheme as it is at a critical point.
Expressing frustration over the delayed licence, the Councillor added: "It's extremely frustrating we have not been given this licence until now."
The repairs will be carried out between 9am and 4pm from November 8 to 20.
A three-way traffic light system will operate outside these hours to allow road use.
Natural England's licence requires the works be conducted under a road closure to ensure the badgers' safety.
Find Out More...