A keen gardener has been told by council officials to take down roses because they are a hazard to motorists.

Joan Mitchell has also been told she needs a licence for smaller flowers planted by the side of the road.

She has received a letter from Colchester Council ordering her to take down two four-foot high standard roses she planted three years ago on a council-owned grass verge outside her home in Berechurch Hall Road.

If she does not comply within two weeks the council will issue an enforcement notice.

The letter, from the highways department, also warned small flowers planted by Mrs Mitchell in a flower bed she dug into the verge needed a licence saying she will maintain that part of land.

Mrs Mitchell, whose immaculate Colchester garden often attracts comments from passers-by, today branded the moves ridiculous.

And neighbours who support her are planning to launch a petition.

The council said the roses cut off views for motorists pulling out of Maypole Green Road on to Berechurch Hall Road and all plants near road junctions should be under two-feet high.

Mrs Mitchell said: "They have been there for three years. It is so petty. When the letter arrived I really thought it was a joke. I can't believe they are making such a big issue out of it.

"There is a huge tree on the other side of my house. Surely that blocks the view more for people pulling out of the side roads? And if cars are parked on the verge that blocks visibility even more."

Mrs Mitchell, who maintains she had council permission to plant the roses, said: "The council doesn't want to see anything looking nice. People sell cars on their verges and gardens look a mess. I am trying to make it look good.

"They are always talking about Colchester in Bloom and you do something and they put you down for it."

Barry Layzell, the council's head of highways, said today: "We would not want to discourage Mrs Mitchell from enhancing her environment but when safety is involved we have to take action."

He said the council had explained the situation to Mrs Mitchell before writing to her and said they would agree to her planting smaller shrubs or flowers.

Despite this thorny issue, Colchester has a strong association with Britain's national flower.

Rose grower Cants of Colchester, one of the town's longest established firms founded in 1765, tests and monitors roses for breeding at its Mile End nurseries. It grows 130,000 a year, mainly for the retail market and cash and carry, but also for Kew Gardens.

Colchester Rose and Horticultural Society has continued to flourish, organising many shows.

Thorny problem - Joan Mitchell has been told her roses are a road safety hazard

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