Rabbits are driving road bosses hopping mad after causing weeds on roundabouts designed to be low-maintenance.

Covered in weeds - the roundabout at Bathside, Harwich Picture: STEVE BRADING

About £30,000 of public money was spent weed-proofing three roundabouts in Harwich and Parkeston last year.

But rabbits have carried seeds on to the roundabouts, dropping them on top of the special surfaces designed to keep grass out.

Weeds up to 2ft high grew as a result, sparking several complaints from residents.

Contractors have spent several days at the roundabouts pulling weeds out.

The roundabouts affected are the bright blue one by Safeway and the one nearest it, as well as the roundabout at Bathside on the A120.

Essex County Council is now reviewing its maintenance programme for the roundabouts and nearby grass verges as well as looking into powerful weedkillers.

Published Thursday July 8, 2004

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