A ROW over grass-cutting in a Poole suburb is dividing neighbours.

The Daily Echo reported last week that many people living in Merley are furious about council plans to leave a large area of green space near Sopwith Crescent to grow during the summer.

However, others have stepped forward to say they are in favour of the scheme.

Jean Brown, who has lived on the estate for 37 years, said: “I think it is lovely to see the grassy areas providing a habitat for bees, butterflies and more.

“My biggest objection is to dogs which foul most of the areas including the children’s play areas.”

She added: “Please, Poole Council, keep up the present plan and let nature thrive.”

And Martin Watson said: “It seems to me to be a bit like the council asking people to recycle or clean up dog mess.

“People protested at first, but then you just get used to it and realise that actually there is a real benefit.”

But David Newport, who lives in Sopwith Crescent and is a gardener, said: “I have some knowledge of creating wildlife gardens and spaces for plants and insects, none of which the council can achieve by not cutting the grass for a season.”

He said plans for an eco-friendly green space must be implemented over “a number of years”.

“The area around Merley is bordered by dozens of green meadows providing acres of grass for wildlife that the council seems to want to emulate,” he said.

“Why? There is no need – we already have enough.”

A spokesman from the Borough of Poole has confirmed that wildflower grass area trials are being undertaken throughout Poole.

Several locations in the vicinity of Sopwith Crescent in Merley form part of this trial as well as areas in Canford Heath, Creekmoor, Sterte, Holes Bay Road and Upton Bypass.