A local company which carried out the roof work for the authority was also fined 1,000 with 225 costs. It was apparently the first time a prosecution had been brought under the Conservation Regulations 1994 for the protection of bats. It is now clear that the onus is on local authorities to ensure that surveys for bats and other protected wildlife are conducted before proceeding with any work on buildings owned by them. They cannot leave the responsibility to their contractors. Local councils, be warned.
Bats are on the march.