Newts may push up building costs

The building of a village bypass in Leicestershire could cost £1.7m more than expected after a colony of protected newts was found.

The great crested newts were found in the site of the Earl Shilton bypass.

The £15m project, due to finish this year will not now be ready until next February, costing an extra £1.2m.

Another £500,000 needs to be spent on steps to stop the rare amphibians returning and on traps to catch them when hibernation ends this spring.

If we are talking about a small number of newts costing £1.7m that is unacceptable David Parsons, council leader

Leicestershire County Council has a legal obligation to ensure the newts and their habitat are protected.

A spokesman said: "Low numbers of newts were found - between one and 10 in the three ponds where evidence of their presence was found."

He added that the £1.7m cost was "only approximate" and would depend on how long the contractor was delayed.

Council leader Councillor David Parsons said: "I think the public will take it enormously badly and I think we have got to have a change in the law.

"If we are talking about a small number of newts costing £1.7m that is unacceptable."

The route is about three miles (5km) long and follows the corridor that links the A47 perimeter road from a new roundabout at Carrs Hill to the A47 Leicester Road.