A COUNCIL accused of mowing down daffodils in bloom has moved to avoid a spring battle with flower lovers.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has explained its grass-cutting policy to avoid "misunderstandings." after two years of protests.

Peter Hunt, director of direct services, spoke out to reassure residents that daffodils in flower beds across the borough were safe.

He said daffodils in bloom would not be cut, although a small number that did not flower would continue to be cut back, along with those growing wild next to main roads.

Mr Hunt's comments came in anticipation of complaints from residents that the flowers were being recklessly mowed down.

People living in Buncer Lane and Haslingden Road, both Blackburn and around Mayfield flats in Darwen, have complained through the Lancashire Evening Telegraph during the past two years. But Mr Hunt said: "The council has no intention of cutting down daffodils that are in bloom.

"Instead, we will cut around the edges of areas where daffodils grow and only cut back the flowers six weeks after they have died off.

"This is to allow the bulbs to store food for increased flowering next year. In the past we have been criticised for cutting back daffodils where some flowers remained.

"These were principally alongside main roads.

"This mowing was in response to complaints from the public, who said that the dying leaves and long grass made the areas look unsightly.

"Once cut back, these daffodils will not flower again so the council will continue to cut back the daffodils in these few areas."