FOOTIE star Aaron Cresswell was forced into extra time while building a new £4million home — by endangered red squirrels.
Work was delayed for a year after the protected critters were spotted in his garden.
West Ham defender Cresswell — compared to a squirrel by former teammate Mark Noble — got permission in February last year to demolish an existing property and build a six-bed pad with cinema, garden pavilion and playground.
But the rural plot in Formby, Merseyside, is next to a National Trust red squirrel refuge.
And it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to disturb them.
Cameras caught squirrels near a potential nest, halting work until after the breeding season.
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Red squirrel populations have declined massively in recent decades as they have been replaced by larger grey squirrels.
The species can only now be found in parts of northern England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Cresswell, 33, plans a sedum plants roof to boost biodiversity and a hedgehog home in his garden.
Documents filed at the local council reveal Cresswell originally bought the property for £1.1million three years ago but it remained vacant while he lived in London.
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Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lives nearby and ex Reds and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole used to live in the same road.
His planning agent said they had worked to ensure the design “supports local species, habitats and wildlife”.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
