Residents outraged following roundabout clearance

Residents of Hertingfordbury have been "shocked" and "devastated" after trees and plants were destroyed on the roundabout at the junction of Hertingfordbury Road and Thieves Lane.

The roundabout was planted with multiple tress, shrubs and flowering plants, and sponsored by Steven Oates estate agent.

The clearance took place in early October without any consultation with residents or local councillors.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: "We have removed a substantial amount of vegetation from the roundabout at the junction of the A414 and Thieves Lane, Hertford, as part of a safety scheme following a high number of road traffic collisions at the junction.

"We had initially planned to cut back some of the vegetation to improve visibility around the roundabout, but once work started it became clear that most of the plants were in poor condition, with the trees in particular in an unsafe location too close to the carriageway, risking branches falling on to the carriageway and damage to the road as the trees grew.

"We therefore decided to remove all the vegetation from the roundabout while the roundabout was closed for the safety works. We are planning to replant the roundabout with more suitable, and more suitably located, plants at an appropriate time.

"The resurfacing of the roundabout and the safety works have also involved improvements to the road markings at the roundabout."