I STRONGLY strongly support Sue Seymour and Susie White (Letters, June 5 and 12) regarding overkill on verge cutting.

One of the best areas on the A69 at Hardriding crossroads, west of Henshaw, was mown last week to within an inch of its life, many metres beyond the necessary for safety and sight lines.

The man on the mower told me he had instructions to do that, but on enquiring further, this was not the case; he probably thought he should “tidy the area up”.

His boss was well aware of the importance of this area for biodiversity and was very apologetic that it had happened.

Many people look forward to the fine show of common spotted orchids, Devil’s bit, quaking grass and many other plants. Is there no better maintenance arrangement than hoping the man on the mower won’t take it into his head to “tidy up”?

Spraying has also been reported along the A69. Spraying for what, for goodness sake? There is no ragwort there, if that is what they are worried about. Has it just become a habit?

Come on Road Link – you signed up to the National Pollinator Strategy which encourages more wildlife friendly roadside maintenance, as our road verges are one of the last bastions of much of our native flora and fauna. Your job is to make sure your local contractors know the rules.

And local contractors – in this case Northumberland County Council –- once you have done the sight line and safety mowing, perhaps the word should be STOP!

ELIZABETH SCOTT

(By email)