A proposal to stop cutting grass verges and plant them with wild flowers is being considered by county councillors.

But one rural community has already come out against the idea, claiming road safety will be comprimised.

A petition organised by Devauden resident David Maddocks calling for Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) not to reduce verge cutting has been signed by more than 100 people.

"It is important we save our rural verge cutting. There are a lot of people saying they want more verge cutting, not less" said Mr Maddocks.

"I'm not against wild flowers but this encourages people not to cut hedges – it is just ridiculous.

"It will make driving on B-roads more dangerous for school buses, cars and push bikes as overhanging verges will force people closer to the middle of the road.

"There are large areas left uncut now on wide verges – nettles, bracken and brambles with no sign of wild flowers.

"If they were to replace the brambles with wildflowers, that would be fine.

"This is the time of year we need good vision on our roads. Leaving long stretches would be a nightmare."

A council spokesman said a proposal not to cut grass verges but replace them with wildflowers was one of a number being considered by members as the council looks to make budget savings.

"The idea is to bring biodiversity back by planting wildflowers, also boosting the bee population," he said.