Wallingford residents are voicing their frustration following the removal of beloved hollyhock flowers from the town centre.
Several locals had collected hollyhock seeds and planted them along the roads to support bee populations and enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal with their vibrant pink blossoms.
However, County Councillor Dr. Pete Sudbury reported receiving numerous complaints from the public after a waste management employee cut down some of these cherished flowers in the town centre.
In response, Dr. Sudbury and Wallingford Town Councillor Steve Holder have launched an investigation into the incident to prevent further removals.
“Wallingford is renowned for its hollyhocks, especially along Wood and Thames Street,” said Mr. Holder. “The community takes great pride in this distinctive feature.”
Mr. Holder also mentioned that the South Oxfordshire District Council had informed him that routine weeding was conducted in high-traffic pavement areas, including Thames Street and Wood Street. A council representative assured him that they would follow up with the responsible parties.
The spokesperson acknowledged that some residents prefer the hollyhocks to remain untouched. The council has stated that workers are instructed only to remove obvious weeds as part of street cleaning operations, not the hollyhocks or other intentionally planted flowers.
The South Oxfordshire District Council has been contacted for further comment.
