Great crested newts delay Carlisle bypass start
Last updated at 13:07, Wednesday, 06 August 2008
Traps have been laid to catch great crested newts living on the western by-pass route.
Ecologists will empty them everyday and work will not start on the Carlisle Northern Development Route until the area is clear.
The firm hired to lay the traps, Herpetosure, has also been putting up fencing alongside the route to stop any newts living outside the work path getting in.
Herpetosure general manager Duncan Lloyd says the captured newts will be taken to a safe area and freed by the ecologists.
Great crested newts are nocturnal and Britain’s largest type of newt.
They are a protected species because their population has declined over recent years as a result of the destruction of their habitat.
They have grey/brown backs covered in dark spots and grow up to 17cm.
They can live for 27 years. Once the newts have been removed from the CNDR workmen can move in.
The five-mile route will cost £9m to build on top of the £10.6m preparation expenses already spent.
The Private Finance Initiative scheme should be about two years in construction and is expected to open in 2010.
The by-pass will link the A595 at Newby West with Kingsmoor Park and M6 junction at Kingstown.
It will allow drivers coming from the west to reach the M6, A74 and A69 without passing through the city centre.
It has been estimated that once complete, the CNDR will reduce volumes of traffic on Castle Way by up to 25 per cent.
Balfour Beatty has the contract to do the work.
SJohnson@cngroup.co.uk
First published at 11:49, Wednesday, 06 August 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
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I love Newts. I have a pet one that i call Pete! He is a real friend to me and i feed him shredded wheat.
I am glad are trying to save Pete's family as he would be really upset if he knew they were all getting squashed by big diggers!!Thank-you.View all comments on this article
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My neighbour used to have newts in her pond, which she brought in from Edinburgh Zoo. She really cared about them, but unfortunately she passed away and no one now looks after them. They are still there, but no longer receive TLC. Unfortunately for many people wildlife in the garden is not as important. We are often preoccupied with our everyday problems, paying mortgage, taking care of family and pets, but we often forget that there are unique creatures on our doorstep.
Posted by Jean on 23 March 2009 at 13:13