A COUNCIL decision to dig up a wildflower meadow for endangered species - only to have it re-planted again in a few weeks - has been branded a “waste of money” by residents.

A stretch of unused land, near Great Oaks Park, Rogerstone, was converted in November 2018 by residents and a Newport City Council worker into a meadow to help dwindling pollinating species, such as bees.

But residents were left furious last week after spotting workmen digging up the popular meadow.

South Wales Argus:

Residents behind part of the meadow. Picture: Yvonne Forsey​

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A spokeswoman from Newport City Council said that the meadow was currently being used to store equipment for canal works and added it would be “reinstated” soon.

She said: “The wildflower meadow will be re-instated by Newport City Council once the canal resurfacing work is complete.This area of land has had to be utilised as a site for contractors to store equipment and materials.

“The council apologies for any inconvenience this is causing. The work is due to be completed in the next eight weeks.”

Despite the apology, residents have voiced their anger.

South Wales Argus:

What remains of the meadow

Clive James, a resident who helped create the meadow, said: "I suggested to Newport City Council of turning a section of unused land near my home into the meadow. All everyone was waiting for was to see the fruits of our labours in the spring.

“To my utter dismay a machine was digging up the area last week. On questioning the workman I was told the council had given the contractor permission to clear the area for storing hardcore being used on the canal resurfacing.

“This incident, together with the proposed car parking charges to be introduced at Fourteen Locks, has left a bitter taste with many local residents in Rogerstone.”

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Another resident, Sandra Cooksey, said: “We spent ages digging the ground before sowing the seeds. The council have wasted money by undoing work that has already been done."

And independent councillor for Rogerstone, Chris Evans, added: “This is a classic example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.

“Lessons need to be learned and I have asked the cabinet member some urgent questions. At a time when this administration is hiking council tax they should not be making mistakes like this. How much money has been wasted?”