it seems they are protected

"In all European countries bats are now protected by law"

taken from this website
http://www.earthlife.net/mammals/bat-man.html

I alway knew they were protected in the UK but did not realise the penalties see here , from the same website

"In England they are well protected by the law. For instance, among other things it is illegal to: Intentionally kill, injure or capture a bat; Possess or control a live or dead bat, any part of a bat, or anything derived from a bat; Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place that a bat uses for shelter or protection. The laws in Wales and Scotland are pretty much the same. The penalty for breaking these laws is £5,000 per bat. You even need a license to photograph bats in the UK."

I know this probably does not help but this is from another website

"Bat colonies usually live happily with their human landlords, but occasionally problems or
concerns arise. However, most bats are seasonal visitors and will leave of their own accord at
the end of the breeding season."


now that you have moved into your new home they will probably go when they are able, it seems they are very shy creatures

Whilst we have no problem with the bats themselves, its the place that they have decided to reside in that is the problem. As it is the gap between two floors accessed via the front porchway and staining, from what we can only assume is droppings, is already visible. We will wait and see if they vacate the premises and then seal the gaps up.