I thought your presentation of our letter to residents in Balfour Road asking them to trim back overhanging lavender bushes was a bit over-the-top (The Argus, August 15).

The letters were sent following a complaint from a blind person. Most people would say measures taken to protect blind people are “fair enough” – to his credit, the very words your reporter used when we explained.

We also said we acknowledge that while it can be a shame to cut plants back, we hope homeowners understand they are doing a good deed for people who cannot see well.

As a compromise we suggested householders wait until plants stopped flowering so as not to damage the lovely effect they have in the street.

Many gardeners recommend trimming lavender back in August anyway.

There is a general problem with overhanging plants at head height in the area and we are asking homeowners to bear in mind blind people who would not detect such high-level obstructions with their guide canes.

Coun Geoffrey Theobald, Cabinet member for environment Brighton and Hove City Council