Pass the parcel

SIR, — Over the years I have witnessed a slow but clear deterioration of the grass verges in the Cell Barnes/Drakes Drive/Hatfield Road, area of St Albans caused by parking cars/vans etc. Not only does this leave large unsightly muddy areas and a run-down

SIR, - Over the years I have witnessed a slow but clear deterioration of the grass verges in the Cell Barnes/Drakes Drive/Hatfield Road, area of St Albans caused by parking cars/vans etc.

Not only does this leave large unsightly muddy areas and a run-down feel to the area, but in some places it is dangerous, particularly on corners where vision for the emerging motorist is obscured.

Interestingly there are a number of signs placed by St Albans District Council warning that parking of a vehicle on the grass verges will result in a penalty ranging from £5 to £50 - clearly some signs are older than others.

On my first visit to the council offices I was eventually advised that it was now the responsibility of Herts Highways and that I should get in touch with them.This I did, only to be told it was the district council's job.

So back again I went to the council offices and after many phone calls by a very helpful receptionist, it was established that there was no longer anything in place to manage this problem!

Even though I have never seen a traffic warden out this way, why couldn't this be their responsibility?

NICK PAINE,

Flinders Close, St Albans.