• THE good news is that the snowdrops are in bloom on the patch of greenery we have nurtured over the past two decades (see image).

This is over a week earlier than last year.

This means that the rest of the spring bulbs – we have planted hundreds over the decades, all donated by neighbours – will also hopefully be earlier.

From time to time we get teenage vandalism but this does not deter us. Indeed we are heartened by the paper support we get from council policies encouraging local groups to help the greening of areas and sustain biodiversity.

Unfortunately some Camden Council officers appear to be unaware of these policies and do not appreciate our work.

They have been trying to prevent us making our own compost from fallen leaves and threatening to cut down swathes of our lovingly-tended green area that is much appreciated by residents, dogs, cats, birds, squirrels, and insects.

The reason being given is that such areas are potential hiding places for illegal materials and muggers.

We would rather spend our efforts tending the area than having to fight off this council officer vandalism.

We assume we are not the only voluntary group greening areas subjected to this council behaviour.

MICK FARRANT, NW5