Council workmen have stepped in to clear a mound of earth that was causing an obstruction on Station Road in Sidmouth.

Motorists had complained for weeks that it was a traffic hazard. But Devon County Council said there was no immediate safety risk.

The Council said it was the landowner’s responsibility but ownership of the land is in dispute. On Friday, after the Herald highlighted the issue, a Highways team was brought in to tackle the problem.

It’s thought the earth is from burrows dug by badgers in the wooded area beyond the wall. The Council had to seek advice from an ecologist to ensure remedial action did not disturb the badgers. The animals and their setts are protected by law.

Councillor Stuart Hughes said: “There have been a lot of people going on about it. But it wasn’t deemed that it was dangerous to drive down there. Some people had a different view and that included me.”