Wallingford locals have been left frustrated after much-loved flowers were removed in the town centre. 

Multiple residents have said they collected hollyhock seeds to plant along the roads in town both for bees and to beautify the space - with the pink blooms adding colour to the town. 

But county councillor Dr Pete Sudbury said he has received calls from concerned members of the public after some hollyhocks flowers around the town centre were cut down by a waste management employee. 

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Dr Sudbury and Wallingford town councillor Steve Holder have been investigating the removal of the plants to try to prevent any more being cut down. 

Mr Holder said: "Wallingford is famous for its hollyhocks especially along Wood and Thames Street and the community are very proud to be famous for them."

He also said the South Oxfordshire District Council had told him that weeding was carried out in high intensity pavement areas of the town - including in Thames Street and Wood Street - but that a team member would follow up with those responsible. 

Mr Holder said the spokesperson added they understood some residents would prefer the hollyhocks were untouched, with the council saying workers would not be instructed to remove any plants - only obvious weeds - as part of street cleaning jobs. 

South Oxfordshire District Council has been contacted for comment.