Major £6million roadworks project is put on ice after discovery of a dormouse nest

A MAJOR roadworks project has been suspended — after a dormouse nest was discovered.

The £6million revamp for one of Kent’s busiest roundabouts was due to start this summer.

But the work, at the Key Street junction in Sittingbourne, was suspended before it even began once the nest was discovered.

Dormice are a protected species, meaning it is an offence to disturb them or damage any place used for their shelter or protection.

Once the rodents are found on a site, a special licence is needed if work is to be allowed to go ahead.

Guidelines state that the creatures’ habitats should be protected and retained.

Where this is not possible, other measures can include creating new habitats or, as a last resort, clearing vegetation to displace the animals.

Kent County Council said: “An application for a dormouse licence was sent to Natural England.

“We are expecting to receive the licence in September.”

But there are fears that delaying the project until winter could lead to further hold-ups as it is then likely to be affected by the weather.