“We were all hoping to adorn the main Village Green for next Spring … but sadly the Parish Council last night rejected my plan,” said Brian May regarding his proposal to plant daffodils in Elstead, Surrey. The local council denied permission due to safety concerns related to traffic sight lines.
The Elstead Parish Council, which oversees community events and the use of public spaces, expressed its duty to balance community initiatives with safety. They cited that the sight lines would be affected by the daffodil stalks, which measure only 18 inches tall.
May expressed confusion over this reasoning, stating, “Apparently the main objection is that the sight lines on the green will be affected for traffic.” He previously donated 3,000 daffodil bulbs to St James’ Church last year, which bloomed unexpectedly in bright yellow due to a supply error.
The council acknowledged that many residents supported May’s initiative and shared their disappointment at the decision. However, they emphasized their responsibility for public safety and accessibility in open spaces like the village green.
In response to the rejection, May indicated he might revisit his plans for future daffodil planting. The council did offer alternative locations for planting, but May did not accept these suggestions.
With 3.6 million followers on Instagram, May’s engagement with the local community has garnered significant attention. His efforts have been well-received in past initiatives, making this setback particularly noteworthy.
