CONTRACTORS are due to make their way to The Flashes to remove “a large area” of rhododendron ponticum around Axe Pond, a plant said to be “a threat to the area”, according to Waverley Borough Council (WBC).

The council confirmed that the “plants are due to be removed mechanically to minimise the need for subsequent treatment with herbicides”.

A council spokesperson explained that under the terms of a Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement, a land management scheme entered into with Natural England in 2010, the original plan was to clear the site around Axe Pond on The Flashes of all rhododendrons.

But, following a meeting with Frensham Common User Group in April where objections were raised, an amendment was proposed “to remove the majority of the plants leaving the ‘rhododendron tunnels’ which local people were particularly fond of”.

The spokesperson added that “this latest proposal was unopposed and following negotiations with Natural England, the revised works have been approved”.

But, residents in Sandy Lane are said to be “upset” about the scheme according to resident William Pannett, who is “not a happy man” about the council’s plans.

Mr Pannett said: “They have now put up notices and sketches showing 80 per cent will be removed by bulldozers. They are trying to make out it is a good idea.

“I go there everyday, I live in the middle of Frensham Common so I’m particularly annoyed with everything they [WBC] do to destroy Frensham Common. It is supposed to be a nature reserve.

“I’ve been not a happy man about it, but I’m not the only one. Everyone in Sandy Lane is upset about it.

“I think that I’ve told at least 100 people. I was told last winter they were going to chop it all down.

“I’ve been telling people everyday when I walk my dog down there and no one knows about it.

“Everyone loves it, they’ll be very upset.”

The WBC spokesperson added: “The site is a highly designated countryside area, being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area, a Special Area of Conservation and a Local Nature Reserve.

“Rhododendron ponticum is a threat to the area, being an extremely invasive non-native species, listed under schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 alongside such plants as Japanese knotweed. It also restricts the growth of other native plants in its vicinity.”

A meeting of the Frensham Common User Group will be held at 7pm on October 5, and will be attended by National Trust representatives.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to discuss issues affecting Frensham Common and Great Pond, of which the Axe Pond project will feature as a part of the meeting.

Anybody interested in attending should email [email protected], who will provide the location.

To find out more about the proposed works, head to tinyurl.com/y9etavyd.