PEOPLE in Pool-in-Wharfedale are being asked to give their views about reducing the amount of mowing on a stretch of grass verge.

Adel and Wharfedale councillor Barry Anderson is asking for comments from local people so that he can pass them on to Leeds City Council's Parks and Countryside department.

Cllr Anderson said the department had been contacted with a request for the council to consider relaxing the mowing regime on the verge on Church Lane adjacent to St Wilfred’s Church. Cllr Anderson has been asked for his views on the proposal to relax the mowing of the verge to just an annual cut.

He said: "As a result of this I would be pleased to receive any comments you may have. Please send any comments by email as I need to attribute comments and therefore cannot take these through Twitter or Facebook."

Earlier this month a petition was launched by Wildlife Friendly Otley asking Leeds City Council to relax some of its mowing in Otley.

A spokesperson said: “Grass mowing can have a devastating effect on wildlife. Regular, close mowing of verges and green spaces destroys precious habitat, creating a sterile ‘monoculture’ which can’t support insects or birds."