DORMICE could continue to hold up work on parts of the Sirhowy Enterprise Way for at least another month - while they finish their hibernation period.

As the Argus reported last week, two colonies of tiny creatures, which are a protected species under European law, were discovered in two areas of St David's Wood in Blackwood, bringing work on parts of the controversial road to a standstill two weeks ago.

Costain Construction and Engineering Ltd, which is responsible for building the road for Caerphilly council, applied to the National Assembly for a licence to disturb the dormice.

Although this was granted at the end of last week, the company cannot disturb the dormice until they finish their annual hibernation in the spring. April is the usual time for the dormice to wake, according to experts.

A spokesman said yesterday that work on some of the trees could begin but other areas would have to wait until the dormice woke and moved in the spring. The company is taking advice from an ecology expert.

Several protesters are still camping in the woods in a bid to prevent any trees from being cut down.