50 snowmen beheaded by park staff 'to protect grass'

More than 50 snowmen and igloos built by children in a Chiswick park were destroyed by two workmen.

Patricia Queen watched in disbelief as the men began sawing the heads off snowmen in Homefield recreation ground. She said: "The ice sculptures were melting in the sunlight but these men were being employed to kick them down. One had a saw and was sawing their heads off.

"I was shocked and asked them what they were doing. 'To protect the grass' was the feeble reply."

Fellow resident Gabriella Newbold said: "What makes my blood boil is that I called the council with regards to the filthy streets opposite Homefield rec just last Tuesday and am still waiting."

A Hounslow council spokesman apologised and blamed two staff employed by its contractor. He said: "Regretfully, and without valid reasons, two workers decided that this bizarre course of action was necessary. It is certainly not in their job description knock down snowmen. We like snowmen."