HAMPSHIRE County Council has come under fire for mowing down rare orchids growing along a grass verge in the Meon Valley.

Having survived on the site at Mascoombe Bottom for more than half a century, in recent years the narrow-leaved helleborine orchids have come under threat from the people charged with their wellbeing.

For the past three years the verge has been cut too early by council contractors, leaving the protected plants under threat of extinction.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.