Sir, It is such a pity that in these days of slashed budgets councils still prioritise the decimation of flora on our roadside verges.

In Chilton, a flourishing colony of pyramidal orchids has recently been eradicated and a thick mulch of chippings deposited to prevent re-growth.

Scabious, knapweed, red clover and bee orchids have also been cut down, so no flowers this year for the bees.

Surely councils could save money by minimising their cutting where it serves no useful purpose. Sight lines at road junctions and areas of impaired visibility would continue to need attention for safety’s sake, but the wholesale destruction of important roadside habitat needs to stop.

Mrs Jane Woods Main Street Chilton