Millionaires in posh UK seaside town fear badgers could cause their homes to collapse | UK | News

Homeowners in a picturesque seaside town claim they are living in a « complete nightmare » after an infestation of badgers in the area. Property owners in Leigh-on-Sea complain that the badgers, which are digging tunnels underneath their homes, « have got more rights than humans at the moment ». The badgers have dug dens – or setts – underneath the posh Essex town, sparking fears of collapsing roads and homes.

Badgers are a protected species in Britain and now cannot be moved between November and July.

The infrastructure in the town was already in major need of repairs due to « ongoing deterioration » on unstable cliffs.

The local Southend council, which had planned to splash two million pounds on road repairs, can no longer go ahead with the works due to the protected animal status.

Julia Smith, 53, had been trying to sell her property in Cliff Parade, but says it is « totally impossible » since the discovery of the badgers.

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She said: « It’s a complete nightmare. The stress is terrible. What about our homes?

« If those cracks come closer our house could crumble and we would lose everything.

« I love animals but it baffles me that badgers have more rights than humans.

« Where is the concern for our welfare? Our lives are on hold. »

Another local added: « It’s like living in a horror movie.

« We constantly fear our home will just collapse and crumble. It might happen slowly or surely. We have no idea. »

Councillor Meg Davidson, cabinet member for environment at Southen Council, said: « We don’t want to do any work that could cause harm to the badgers, but likewise the sett is causing significant damage and safety concerns to the road above.

« The conditions of the license stipulate we can only encourage the badges to move between July and November. »