MOTORISTS are putting themselves and others in severe danger by ignoring a road closure in a Kent village.

County highways chiefs have issued a warning after reports to them that drivers are routinely moving signage surrounding an 12-inch deep hole in the road at Butler’s Hill, Hernhill, near Faversham.

It follows the closure of the road nearly two weeks ago when a metal plate was put over the hole, and a lengthy diversion put in place.

Local people say that it is the third time in as many years that a sizeable hole has appeared in the road.

Hernhill resident Felix Krish, who lives nearby, said: “People are getting fed up with the diversion and are moving the signs and driving across the hole.

“The metal plate could be moved by heavy vehicles and that would be very dangerous. It is about 18-inches by 12-inches and may cave in more."

“The hole is close to a bend in the road and we want proper moves to fix it soon or there will be an accident.”

Mr Krish added: “I phoned Swale Borough Council about the hole, and they said they had received lots of calls about it.”

Kent Highways spokesman Phil Scrivener confirmed the hole had been caused by badgers and it had applied for a 'licence to interfere’ from Natural England.

He said: “The site was visited by our inspector and we found signs of a badger set under the road.

“We need the licence before we can deal with the badgers as they are protected species. Anyone who is ignoring the road closure is also risking prosecution for endangering the badgers as well. We will act as soon as we get that licence.”

He added: “Drivers must not move our signs, warning notices or equipment. They are causing a danger both to themselves and others.”