A GREEN-fingered pensioner was left heartbroken when asked to cut back her impressive plant due to a row over access.

Becky Curtis, 84, who lives in Dale Brook House, in the heart of Dedham, has been tending for her plants for more than 30 years.

Becky’s front garden - including its stunning wisteria - is known by villagers and tourists alike who often stop to admire it.

But Becky claims the parish council has now asked her to cut back the front garden plants after receiving complaints some people find it hard to get past.

Becky said: “Cutting it at this time of the year is the worst thing you can do. It will look horrible.

“It is an unnecessary thing to do.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Beautiful - people often stop by to admire Becky's plantBeautiful - people often stop by to admire Becky's plant

Becky says trimming the plant at the wrong time of year could also have an impact on all the bees pollinating its flowers.

She added: “I think it will spoil the look and will mean the bees which come onto it will have to manage without it.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: A napkin someone put through Becky's letterboxA napkin someone put through Becky's letterbox

“I thought we were all trying to help bees.

“They think if somebody had two children and a push chair and a dog they might find it difficult to pass.

“Lots of people have that and they walk past.

“It does distress me to think of cutting it back.”

To save the plant, Becky’s daughter-in-law has also put a poem outside the pensioner’s home telling its story.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Save it - Becky's daughter-in-law told the story of the plant in a poem Save it - Becky's daughter-in-law told the story of the plant in a poem

Becky added: “I even had a note through the letter box from somebody who read the poem and they were saying it is such a lovely garden and what a shame people were like that.”

A spokesman for Dedham Parish Council has said it is obliged to take action when the way is obstructed.

He added: “We have received a number of complaints by other residents and we don’t ask people unless it is a health and safety matter.

“We are obliged as a council to undertake these requests to cut back vegetation when it is overgrown.

“It is something which is obstructing the footpath and we have an obligation to deal with hedges and keep the footpath safe.”