A VIDEO of a tractor mowing down a bank of wildflowers in Ventnor has angered residents.

The video, posted on social media, shows the wildflower bank at Salisbury Gardens being destroyed.

Steve Jones, who shared the video, said: "I posted an earlier video of the flowers, saying how pretty they were, then about a week later the contractor was out there mowing them all down.

"We just thought this was an area of flowers that the council had left alone, and I was just really disappointed."

However, Ventnor Town Council, which is responsible for the site, said the bank had been removed because it was a health hazard.

Mayor, Cllr Stewart Blackmore, said rats were nesting in the flowers, where dog walkers had also thrown away dog's mess.

He said: "We're not blaming anyone, but we have received complaints from people about the rats.

"I saw them myself, it was quite stomach churning.

"The council decided it was best to take action before some child ends up being bitten. Something had to be done.

"We have instead decided to establish more wildflower areas around the town."

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.