Breakthrough for East Halton as work finally allowed to start on road repairs

Residents in East Halton are set to see long-awaited progress on College Road after a breakthrough removed the six-month restriction that had prevented any work from taking place, due to the presence of badgers – a protected species – on the site.

The initial prohibition was triggered after the badgers returned to their original sett beneath the road, with protections linked to the mating season preventing work from taking place until July.

Following a more pragmatic, collaborative approach, essential repair work will now begin, ending months of enforced inaction and restoring momentum on a scheme that has had a major impact on daily life in the village.

North Lincolnshire Council has welcomed the flexibility shown by Natural England, which has allowed work to move ahead while still meeting environmental responsibilities – and the support from Martin Vickers MP, who raised the issue in Parliament.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I want to thank Natural England for the pragmatism they have shown. That flexibility has lifted a six-month prohibition and finally allowed work to start – which will make a real difference for residents of East Halton.

“This has never been just about a stretch of road. It’s been about residents facing long detours, farmers trying to run their businesses, and a community feeling cut off. Being able to get spades in the ground again is a crucial turning point.”

Teams are now being deployed on site to carry out further surveys and ground investigations, including work to assess foundations, ground stability, drainage and the steep banking alongside the road. This will inform the detailed design needed to rebuild the road safely and install modern safety barriers.

The existing road surface will be removed next month, with full reconstruction – including stabilising the ground and rebuilding the carriageway – starting in spring and taking around six to eight weeks.

As a result, the road is now expected to reopen as early as May, rather than October as previously anticipated, significantly reducing the disruption faced by the village.

Cllr Waltham added: “There is still challenging work ahead, but this shows what can be achieved when everyone focuses on outcomes and recognises the urgency of getting everyday life back to normal.”

The council will now move at pace to deliver the remaining work and will continue to keep residents updated as firmer dates are confirmed.