Wanton destruction (From Gazette & Herald)

Wanton destruction

ON whose authority has the large layby just north of Malton on the Pickering road been spoilt? This layby (originally the old road and, therefore, presumably under the aegis of North Yorkshire highways department) has a wide verge, and had substantial shrubbery and mature trees on its inside edge.

The layby was screened by this hedging which, to some degree, formed a barrier to the fumes of the constant traffic on this busy road. At one time, it was possible to use this layby and to actually hear birds singing in the hedge, but not any more! It is now completely ruined, both for travellers and, just as importantly, for wildlife.

This road is not generally well blessed with either good hedgerows or mature trees and this area, although small, was infinitely better than the present mess. Shame on whoever is responsible for destroying this "oasis"! Grubbing out hedges and felling mature trees is not cheap, and the money wasted on this wanton destruction would have been better spent on cleaning up the filth with which many laybys seem to be constantly littered. Before anyone says that the more open laybys are to the road, the less litter is deposited, they should take a look at any roadside verge to see the falsity of this argument.

In an age when grants are available to replant hedges and much-needed trees, how dare anyone commit such an act of motiveless vandalism. I feel incensed at this "crime", and I am sure I am not alone in holding this view.

G ENGLAND

Sutton-on-the-Forest

Updated: 10:25 Wednesday, March 12, 2003