JCB wrecks wildlife haven

NEWHAVEN people are furious with property developers who bulldozed a wildlife habitat used by badgers.

People living in Southdown Road were stunned this week to discover Westbury Homes had dug up a three metre-wide strip at the end of their rear gardens.

The area of tall grass and shrubs was to be a natural barrier between Southdown Road and the development of more than 100 new homes at Harbour Heights.

Chairman of Southdown Badger Protection Group (SBPG) Graham Amy said the bulldozed area had been an important haven for wildlife, including badgers, birds, foxes, moles, snakes and lizards.

It was particularly vital for badgers to travel through the newly-developed areas to other wildlife habitats and their sets.

He said: 'At a meeting with Lewes District Council, SBPG, English Nature and Westbury Homes it was agreed that a natural strip would be left behind the homes of Southdown Road so that badgers and wildlife would have access and residents would have a degree of protection.

'SBPG is very disappointed with the actions of Westbury Homes and hopes that they will reinstate the land with shrub and bushes as soon as possible.'

Donna Saunders, of Southdown Road, said she and neighbours were horrified by the destruction. 'On all the plans it is marked for a wildlife area and to preserve security and privacy. Builders have come right up to the fence, dug it all up with a JCB and put a public footpath there.'

She claimed a digger driver admitted seeing small animals fleeing as the area was destroyed.

As well as the threat to natural wildlife Mrs Saunders's pond had also been placed in jeopardy, she said. 'The loose soil is going to come down into my pond and kill my fish when it rains.'

Residents, some of them elderly, also felt vulnerable as a result of the loss of the barrier.

Mrs Saunders said: 'We have had trouble with children coming up here on motor bikes, now they can get closer and it will be even easier for people to get over into back gardens.'

Bryan Leeming, regional technical director for Westbury Homes, said an investigation had been launched.

'We are aware of the situation and are currently carrying out an investigation. I would like to stress that we are making every effort to retain those boundaries between the two developments, for the security of all concerned. We are currently liaising with both our own consultants, and the council's advisors.'