A PENSIONER, whose efforts to bring a splash of colour to his street every year were under threat from a council ban, is today celebrating a victory for common sense after officials backed down.

Peter Andow, 70, plants bulbs and carefully tends to the verges outside his home in Millbrook, Southampton.

But his dedication was threatened by council workers who sprayed the plants with weedkiller.

To make matters worse council officials said that Mr Andow's work was illegal unless he forked out £110 for a licence.

However, after his story was highlighted in yesterday's Daily Echo, council officials have made an exception to their law.

Mr Andow, of Cherwell Crescent, was in bed recovering from a cataract operation when a council worker called to tell him the good news.

The former postman said: "He told me he thought there was nothing wrong with what I was doing.

"He said there is no problem with me cutting the grass or planting the flowers around the lamp posts. He said he would instruct the weed killing people that they must not put weedkiller round the Crescent for the rest of my lifetime.

"I am 70 years old and I won't be cutting grass forever. The work I will be able to do will decrease and there are some days when you might not feel like going out and cutting the grass but I am dedicated to it and I couldn't just stop.

"I am so happy that I can continue without any worry. I wouldn't have spent money on a licence."

Mr Andow's neighbours were last night celebrating the victory.

Neighbour Pete Legros, 45, of Cherwell Crescent, said: "It's good to see some common sense from the council. You've only got to drive around Millbrook and see that this is the best-looking road by far."

A council spokesman confirmed the decision.

He said: "It has been agreed that the council will use its discretionary powers under the Highways Act.

"A senior officer will visit Mr Andow this evening to thank him for his care for the environment and give him permission to continue.

"He will receive a formal letter to confirm this and we wish Mr Andow many happy hours of gardening and serving his community in the years ahead."