VILLAGERS in Odiham planted thousands of bulbs to brighten the roadside – only to see them dug up by the council days later.

Members of the InOdiham group, which aims to promote business in the village, planted 6,000 daffodil bulbs near the Broad Oak roundabout.

The 40 people who took part were trying to brighten one of the main approaches to the village in time for its Magna Carta celebrations next year.

But after planting the bulbs on Sunday, November 2, members were shocked to see a JCB digger digging them up during the following week to make way for a new bus stop.

Villagers were told the work was being carried out legitimately on behalf of developer Charles Church, which is building a new housing estate at Hatchwood Farm.

Francis Howard, chairman of InOdiham, said he could not believe it when he heard the work was taking place.

He said: “We had gone through all the proper channels, and had approached Hampshire Highways and paid £109 for a licence to plant the bulbs.

“People could not believe that we had planted the bulbs on the Sunday and by Thursday they were being dug up.”

The group has been told that different departments of Hampshire County Council gave permission for the bulb planting and bus stop.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “I am sorry some of these bulbs have been disturbed for the new bus stop which is being put in place. We would be happy to arrange for some new bulbs to replace the ones which have been dug up.”