ILMINSTER Town Council has assured people that badgers living on Britten’s Field will not be harmed as efforts are made to stop the animals from marauding over the playing area.

The council reported last week that the badgers had extended an established sett in Britten’s Field and were encroaching into the playing field area and under access steps.

“This is causing a hazard for users of the recreation field and presents a health and safety issue which the town council must address,” said a council spokesman.

“To minimise this problem work is being undertaken within the next week to inhibit further badger encroachment. This will involve digging a trench around part of the sett and installing a subterranean barrier.

“The work will be completed in accordance with a licence issued by Natural England and fully supervised by an experienced badger consultant.”

The council spokesman added: “No badgers will be harmed although it is likely they will be disturbed, and a small part of the sett will be destroyed.

“The sett will otherwise not be disturbed and will be retained as a safe refuge for the badgers.”

To help walkers in accessing Britten’s Field at the lower end of the Incline, the town council is arranging to have some porous matting installed to provide a replacement route to the steps close to the badger sett.

If any member of the public has a concern, please contact the town council on 01460-52149 who can put you in direct contact with the badger consultant.