I AM disgusted that for the second year running Worcestershire County Council have chosen to cut the Bewdley bypass verges in the spring when our precious wild flowers are in full bloom.

The unfortunate contractor was stopped by me, and questioned as to why he was cutting the verges so far back. He said he was directed to remove all the brambles. Why?

I would like to know what the county council's management policy is for the verges, and is it really necessary to cut so far back?

I understand that the council only need to maintain visibility for the traffic. What they have done here is nonsense and a waste of money.

They do not need to destroy a wonderful habitat which myself and many others have enjoyed for many years.

I'm sure hundreds of commuters have enjoyed the pleasure of the spring flowers and share my sentiments. If the council do plan to cut at this time of year it should be to maintain visibility and no more.

Should they wish to do extensive cutting then they should do it later in the year, maybe July when all the flowers have finished and seeded.

This will not only improve the number, but also the variety of flowers as they progressively move into the area over time.

The result of the council's actions will see a significant loss of flowers next year, and no doubt an abundance of boring green grass. I estimate that it will probably take five or more years of careful management to return the verge to its former glory.

I cannot stress enough the full effects of losing these wayside habitats which are extremely important conservation areas. They are inhabited by all sorts of insects, animals and bird life, which thrive in these areas when many of our other habitats are being destroyed.

I am pleased to say that some of the local roadsides have been spared - have they just been lucky or will they eventually succumb to the cutting scheme?

DAVE BARNETT

(The Wyre Forest Society )

The Lakes Road

Bewdley