BATS COULD BE MADE HOMELESS BY REVAMP PLANS FOR FORMER CLEETHORPES THEME PARK

Scheduled for removal, but if buildings such as these are removed, the bats will lose their homes

SCORES of bats could lose their home if redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island site  goes ahead.

Since the theme park closed, many of the buildings have become derelict and undisturbed, providing a perfect roosting habits for pipistrelles and other species.

It is possible that this location may even have become the bat capital of North East Lincolnshire.

While this is good news for the endearing little creatures - and wildlife enthusiasts - it is a concern for the consortium seeking to redevelop the site with a hotel, holiday lodges, a supermarket, a garden centre, casino, water sports lake and other amenities.

Their ambitious project requires removal of all the buildings where the bats live.

Most of the on-site trees, where there may be further bat roosts, are also earmarked for removal.

Lichfields, who are agents, for the consortium, insist the welfare of the bats has not been overlooked.

Without going into detail, they say: "On-site compensation will provide suitable alternative habitat for bats, and there will be dark corridors within the proposed landscaping scheme.

"A Natural England licence will be sought to enable demolition of the buildings and limit impacts on bats roosting within the site." 

What future the little flying chaps in the furry coats?