Off with their heads! Council contractors mow Newbury wild flower verge

Council contractors have mistakenly mown down a flower verge on Pinchington Lane in Newbury.

They have agreed to foot the bill to tend and water the area just outside Newbury College so it grows again.

West Berkshire Council launched the popular wild flower verge scheme in 2020 to create a network of wildlife-friendly habitats along roadsides.

The council allocated £265,000 for biodiversity schemes, such as the wild flower verges in this year’s budget

“This was a genuine error as these operatives are new to the contract and learning the cutting round,” said a West Berkshire countryside team spokesperson.

“The contractors have agreed to cover the expenses of this error and will water and tend to the area so it recovers and the flowers will bloom again this year.”