THE badgers who plagued residents of Greywethers Avenue in the Lawns, Swindon, have gone underground.

People living in the road had complained about the furry nocturnal animals when their digging began to pose risks to their homes and a nearby electrical sub station.

But now it seems the animals have packed their bags.

Residents were told of the latest development in the saga at a well-attended public meeting at the Croft Leisure Centre.

Councillor Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawns) was present at the meeting, which was attended by more than 50 other homeowners reporting badger problems of their own.

She explained: "There are a large number of people who have come along to this meeting following the publicity surrounding the badger problems in Greywethers Avenue.

"It is important that we determine the extent of the badger problem before we take the matter forward."

Among the list of Old Town roads where badgers have been reported by residents are: Westlecot Road, Field Rise, Quarry Road, Guildford Avenue, Marl-borough Road, Croft Road and Windsor Road.

Government officials from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs were at the meeting to answer questions regarding possible action to counter the threat from badgers, which are a protected species.

Charlie Wilson, from Defra, told the meeting: "There are provisions in the law which allow people to protect their property, but obviously because badgers are a protected mammal, we cannot allow people to cull them."

He explained that homeowners can apply for individual licences to have the creatures moved, or in the most extreme cases have them killed. But he also suggested people could take action using repellent chemicals.