INVESTIGATIONS are ongoing after a badger sett was found damaged in Neath woodland.

Gerald James, chairman of Neath Port Talbot Badger Group, said the damage to the sett was found during a routine check by members of the group.

"The sett has been frequently checked for many years by the badger group, who feel it would have been occupied by badgers at the time the damage took place," said Mr James.

He added: "The group considers such actions to be in direct contravention of The Protection of Badgers Act 1992."

He confirmed that the RSPCA and police have been informed and are investigating.

"The badger is a highly protected species, both within UK and EU law," said Mr James.

He explained: "Since the damage was discovered a combined attempt, under proper licence, has been made by the RSPCA and the badger group to manually excavate part of the damaged sett to try to ascertain if any badgers have suffered as a result."

He added: "Due to the sett structure and tunnel(s) being collapsed it proved impossible to locate the badgers' under- ground nesting chamber(s), and to have continued would have further compromised the sett's stability."

Mr James said the excavation was discontinued and remedial work then undertaken.

A police spokesman confirmed they have received a report of damage to a badger sett at a Neath location.

"Inquiries into the matter are ongoing," he said.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said they were investigating and could not comment further.

Mike Roberts, the council's head of streetcare confirmed the incident is subject of a police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

emma.denholm@swwmedia.co.uk