I write in response to Alan Flint's question about why City of York Council has replaced a hedge near Rowntree Park (March 9).

During recent years, the hedge has been badly affected by flooding and shading by the neighbouring trees. As a result, some of the hedge plants have died and a combination of works has been scheduled, including tree pruning and the re-planting of some of the gaps in the hedge.

This work was commissioned after consultation with councillors and residents (some of the work was funded by ward committee), and two notices were posted prominently nearby. The latest phase involves pruning some of the hedge plants at close to ground level to encourage healthier and more vigorous re-growth.

The post and wire fencing that has been erected does not replace the hedge, but will protect the new growth until the hedge thickens out.

Where necessary, there will also be further re-planting later in the year.

Kevin Crawford,

Assistant parks officer,

Department of education and leisure,

City of York Council,

Back Swinegate,

York.

Updated: 11:58 Saturday, March 27, 2004