EMBARRASSED council chiefs have apologised to green-fingered householders on a Newport estate - after telling them to clean up their gardens.

Five Duffryn residents whose gardens are their pride and joy were furious to receive letters from the council threatening legal action if they did not tidy them up.

Newport council later apologised, saying a "genuine mistake" had been made. A council spokeswoman said: "The wrong letter was delivered to five homes and as soon as we realised that a mistake had been made an apology was given.

"We are very sorry for any distress that this genuine mistake has caused". Yvonne Ferguson, (pictured) of Kestrel Way, said she was annoyed when she received her letter because she had spent a lot of money perfecting her garden.

Mrs Ferguson said: "I'm really angry. I had a letter from the council saying my garden was in poor condition and if I don't make it neat and tidy within 28 days they could take legal action and I could lose my home.

"My garden is immaculate at all times. I've got hanging baskets and paving slabs out the front and back. I've spent hundreds of pounds on it and it's really outstanding". Some quotes from the council's letter received were:

"your garden was not considered to be of a reasonable standard". "Your garden will be inspected again in 28 days. If it is felt to be in poor condition the council could pursue legal action against you which could result in you losing your home".

Tredegar Park councillor Garry Brown said a number of people had contacted him about being wrongly targeted by the letters.

Councillor Brown said: "The principle of getting people to tidy up their gardens is correct and I would support it, but unfortunately innocent people who maintain their gardens have been affected.

"It's not too much to ask for the council to get it right. It was really upsetting especially for people like Mrs Ferguson who has always maintained her garden."

The council spokeswoman said: "Unsightly gardens affect the appearance of the whole neighbourhood and tenants have an obligation to keep their gardens tidy as part of their tenancy".