TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh has tried to encourage councils to manage our roadside verges more sympathetically because of their over-zealous cutting of our grass verges.

The councils often cut the verges at the wrong time of the year, thus wiping out our native wild flowers.

The way some of the verges are cut in the name of motoring safety is nothing short of gross vandalism on a massive scale.

The verges are invaluable to our bees and other important pollinating insects, as well as being a huge source of food for our wild birds.

Using these flail mowers at the wrong time of year kills wild flowers, insects, fledgeling birds and hedgehogs – the list is endless.

Out of 217 councils just eight have agreed to Alan Titchmarsh's proposals. This is short-sighted, stupid and a massive waste of public money.

Bryan Parker

Longborough

Near Stow