Be careful if you’re driving up to Kingdown, for badgers have undermined the road to the extent that only the tarmac surface remains in places, with a void underneath.

The council can’t disturb the badgers and fix the hole without permission from DEFRA, which is likely to take some time.  Meanwhile WC Highways say they’ll erect more substantial signage and barriers to try to prevent any vehicles disappearing down the hole.

They’ll also keep monitoring the extent of the hole as the badgers keep expanding it.

Update 4/9/18: Highways Dept have erected substantial fencing and warning signs around the hole.

Update 26/2/19:  WC say they, “Appreciate that things are dragging on with this particular issue, unfortunately we will be unable to carry out any substantive works at the location until after the 1^st July. This is to tie in with the licence conditions imposed on us by Natural England.  We continue to assess the condition of the site and should we find indications that the road is likely to deteriorate to an extent that is compromising safety , then we will look to execute a repair under an emergency licence.”