A PUBLIC site meeting is set to be held on Wednesday at a Walney beauty spot where controversial work has taken place.

A project to relocate reptiles at Tummer Hill caused fears among islanders about the resident wildlife.

Gorse bushes on land next to where Biggar Bank Road meets Ocean Road were cleared to make new habitats for slow-worms which were captured at the Barrow Waterfront development site.

Cumbria County Council cut away the bushes on Barrow Borough Council owned-land to create a new home for the protected reptile species.

Residents who walk in the area were alarmed to see the site being cleared, fearing for nesting bird and others animals at the wildlife haven. They worry the wildlife will not return when the vegetation and shelter is gone.

Islanders complained to both the county and borough council about the work, which they knew nothing about until the diggers turned up.

Residents have asked why the reptiles can not be placed somewhere else, such as one of the island's two nature reserves.

The county council says ecologists have been consulted for the project.

They say the conservation work has to be done at this time of year when the reptiles are active, as they become dormant in winter. They say they want to create a "lovely area of natural habitat which is good for a range of biodiversity including reptiles, birds and the invertebrates they feed on."

The area was hit by a fire in June and work was then delayed. Work has not yet resumed.

At 3pm on Wednesday officials from the project are due to meet residents at Tummer Hill to discuss the programme of work going forward.

If it is raining the group is set to meet next to the football changing rooms.