Resident questions council’s responsibility to remove roadkill

A LOCAL resident has criticised the length of time taken by Wiltshire Council to keep highways clear of roadkill. 

According to the resident, they reported to Wiltshire Council the location of a dead badger on the A350 between Lacock and Beanacre four times, but no action was taken, despite being told that “precautionary measures” would be taken. 

“It is unsightly and a hazard to road users,” said the resident. “They [Wiltshire Council] are not taking it seriously. From a public point of view, it is unsightly – why can’t they move it?” 

In response to the resident’s concerns, Wiltshire Council explained that they will always move roadkill to the verge, or remove it from the site, if there is a potential hazard to road users. 

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for streetscene, cllr Dr Mark McClelland said, “All reports of deceased animals on the highway are inspected. If the animal is positioned in the carriageway and could cause a potential hazard to road users, the animal will be moved to the verge or removed from site.  

“In urban areas, the deceased animal will be removed from site. Sadly, there are occasions where domestic animals such as cats and dogs are found deceased on the highway. These are scanned to establish whether they are microchipped and where possible, returned to their owners. 

“With regard to reports of a dead badger between Lacock and Beanacre, the site will be inspected and any appropriate action will be taken.”