Hedgehog threat from homes

By Tara Brady

Developers hoping to build in Pinner may have a prickly problem on their hands.
Protesters campaigning against three large detached houses, valued at £1million each, being built in Eastglade, Pinner, believe a group of hedgehogs living nearby will be wiped out.
The campaigners are part of Save Pinner Gardens Action group, which says more and more hedgehogs are being found dead since the number of developments in the area increased.
Edwin Lucas, spokesman for Save Pinner Gardens, said: "We have seen at least three hedgehogs out at night in the house next to the proposed site.
"We are worried that if building work starts then it will disrupt their natural environment and they could be run over.
"Their numbers are in decline due to their loss of habitat and we believe developers shouldn't just walk in and destroy their natural environment."
Hedgehogs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. They move around from garden to garden and can travel up to 2km each night.
The site's developer, Village Homes, previously applied to build four houses on the site but this was turned down by Harrow Council last year.
About 500 letters of objection were also sent to the council this year.
Howard Lamb of Marsh Road, Pinner, looks after hedgehogs in his back garden, which is next to another proposed development site.
He said: "It is fantastic news that residents in Eastglade have found hedgehogs. They are very at home in people's gardens.
"It is amazing that gardens can provide the special environment for creatures and animals to enjoy. Developers have got a different way of thinking but there are some things you just can't put a price on. We want to protect our green spaces and protect our wildlife."
A spokesman from Village Homes said: "Village Homes are fully aware of the requirements of relevant national and European legislation relating to protected species - we retain ecological experts to advise on such matters.
"Retaining habitat is not only ecologically beneficial but a strong marketing point that purchasers are increasingly keen to see on developments."