- Dois alojamentos para morcegos, próximos à junction 10 da M5, custam £166 mil; fazem parte de melhorias na via que totalizam £372 milhões e devem ficar prontas nos próximos três anos em Gloucestershire.
- Criar áreas de abrigo para morcegos deslocados é exigência legal, com grande parte do custeio vindo de financiamento do governo central e de contribuições de developers.
- o projeto deve deslocar cerca de 130 abrigos de morcegos; o custo foi alvo de críticas de políticos locais.
- o vereador Julian Tooke, do Liberal Democrats, disse que preferia que o dinheiro fosse aplicado em serviços infantis, educação e bibliotecas.
- o vereador Vernon Smith, do Reform UK, questionou a viabilidade financeira; a câmara afirmou ter obtido quatro cotações e reforçou a obrigação legal; a construção de acesso ao M5 deve terminar em 2029.
Two bat houses are being built near junction 10 of the M5 as part of a wider £372m upgrade to the road network in Gloucestershire. The two roosts for bats cost £166,000, with funding chiefly from central government and developer contributions. The project aims to relocate bat populations as required by law.
The displacement is expected to affect about 130 bat roosts. Local politicians have weighed in on the cost and necessity, noting the presence of protected species in the area and the statutory obligation to provide roosting sites.
Officials confirm the junction improvement is due to be completed within three years, with a target finish in 2029. The work includes improved access to the M5 and is funded under the broader road upgrade program.
Reações e justificativas
Lib Dem county councillor Julian Tooke highlighted the legal protection of bats and the need to relocate them as part of the project, while Reform UK councillor Vernon Smith questioned the cost, suggesting more economical shelter solutions. Tooke emphasized the council’s duty to act and that four quotes were obtained for the bat habitats.
The council reiterates that creating roosting areas for displaced bats is a statutory requirement, and that most costs are covered by central funds and developer contributions, not solely by local taxpayers.
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