Madam, - In response to your recent letters regarding ragwort, we in the North call it "benweed". I spent several summers digging out the roots and stems, on an inherited smallholding, to little avail! On the advice of locals I brought in sheep, which have nearly cleared the weed. Maybe not a good idea on the roadside, unless they are tethered. - Yours, etc,
TADGH FARRELLY, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.