SIR – Myself and my family regularly walk through the St Ives estate in Bingley, as we have done for many years as we are dog owners and love it up there.

We were horrified when we walked round last Sunday to see that large areas of rhododendron bushes, that were the size of trees, have all been hacked down.

They were absolutely beautiful when they flowered – just a mass of purple. For this reason alone we visit St Ives to see them, so we were so upset when we saw what they had done.

Both my mum and auntie were astounded as they were taken up there as youngsters by their mum to see these fabulous Rhododendrons.

Now all that is left in their place is large expanse areas of nettles and grass.

I expect some other trees will be planted in their place but what a crying shame to execute bushes that have been there decades. Please can anyone tell me why this has been done? Carole Clarke, Heaton Drive, Bingley