Drivers are facing weeks of delays because badgers have left a busy west Oxford road at risk of collapsing.

The badgers have caused so much damage burrowing under Cumnor Hill between Botley and Cumnor that it will be closed for about five weeks in January for urgent repairs.

Council engineers said repair work was needed to protect road users “from the future risk of road surface collapse”.

The road and embankment between Arnold’s Way and Delamere Way needs reapirs after years of badger activity.

With the bill expected to run into tens of thousands of pounds, the inhabitants of the troublesome badger sett have been tracked down and moved to the countryside, well away from Cumnor Hill.

Investigations carried out last year found a network of badger tunnels had undermined an 80-yard stretch of both the pavement and the carriageway of the road.

The council said the survey showed there was no immediate danger to traffic.

But the extent of the damage means extensive repair work, lasting up to 10 weeks ,will have to be undertaken early next year.

The chairman of Cumnor Parish Council, Dr Philip Hawtin, said: “The road is steadily sinking. The section of road is on the side of a hill, where there is a large badger sett.

“Their tunnelling has undermined the road, causing it to sink in places.”

Oxfordshire County Coun-cil outlined its plans to Cumnor residents at a public meeting this week.

Dr Hawtin feared County Hall had decided to go for a cheaper option than had originally been proposed.

He said: “I understand that they want to stabilise the side of the hill and fill in the holes made by the badger activity, rather than completely rebuilding it.

“There’s no doubt that this is going to cause major disruption, for between five and eight weeks.

“The biggest problem is going to be the many local residents who rely on buses.

“For people who walk or cycle into town, it will be manageable. But bus users may end up feeling maroon-ed.”

County council engineer Andy Johnson said: “After exploring options with Natural England and residents, a consensus emerged in favour of removing the badgers, reconstructing the carriageway and stabilising the embankment.

“After consulting residents, Natural England and a local badger group, the badgers were relocated under licence issued by Natural England during September and October.”

The main work is due to begin on January 12, lasting eight to 10 weeks, with the road closed for four to five weeks. When the road is not closed, temporary traffic lights will be in use.

The diversion during the road closure will be via the A420 from Cumnor to Botley roundabout. The section of road that will be closed is between Arnold’s Way and Delamare Way. Access will be maintained for cyclists and pedestrians.

A county council spokes-man said: “We’re consulting those directly affected by these works. A meeting with bus operators and Cumnor Parish Council has already taken place.”