Evil weed

I wish Mr George Tait (Letters, 6 August) luck in his campaign against the notorious weed, ragwort. It may be of interest that Defra’s Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency has just reported serious losses in several herds of cattle in England due to consumption of bedding contaminated with ragwort.

However, the so-called legislation cited by Mr Tait is more or less toothless, since it calls for mutual discussion and co-operation between landowners and local authorities to agree on a policy for eradication, rather than direct enforcement.

Furthermore, any tightening of the legislation is likely to run up against conservationists.

Don’t hold your breath, Mr Tait.

Kenneth W Angus

Temple Village

Gorebridge