MARAUDING badgers turned a pensioner couple's garden into a “war zone”... before the Badger Protection League and Essex Police visited to warn the owners about badger rights.

Richard and Natalie Ruben returned home to Ashcombe Close, Eastwood on Saturday following a four-week Caribbean cruise to find their back garden covered in holes.

The couple, who are in their seventies, have fought a pitched battle with the protected animals who are getting into their garden from a council-owned alley for two years.

Cancer sufferer, Mr Rubin, 74, says they even had a police visit after making attempts to deal with the problem themselves.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Former civil servant Mr Rubin, 74, said: “The whole thing has made us really unwell.

“We were advised to put diesel oil down or urine on the area but neither made any difference.

“Someone overheard me saying if it didn’t work I’d get a 12-bore shotgun or put poison down and reported me.

"It was said in jest but we were eating lunch one day when someone from the Badger Protection League accompanied by two police officers knocked on the door.”

After returning from a recent holiday they found their garden had almost as many holes as a golf course.

Stephen Aylen, independent councillor for Belfairs ward has been trying to help the Rubins.

He said: “They come in from an alley way owned by the council. It’s a well known problem in the area.

“I’ve contacted different people to see what we can do but it’s difficult.

Braintree and Witham Times:

“Badgers are a protected species and you cannot just dispose of them or remove them because they are inconvenient.”

Deputy council leader James Courtenay, councillor responsible for growth, said: “While I can sympathise with the gentleman concerned, ownership of the former alleyway behind this home has over the years become divided between neighbouring properties and the council so access is restricted.

“Our parks team have advised badgers can set up home in relatively small areas of land, including urban gardens. “Robust fencing may help prevent unwanted badger activity. However, a badger may burrow considerable depths if it is determined and the reward is great enough. Badgers are protected by law, and this makes it illegal to damage, destroy or block access to a sett.

“Natural England and charities like the RSPCA can provide advice and guidance on badgers, and anyone seeking information on badgers is encouraged to check their websites or to get in touch with them.”