A Taiwanese city office told residents it could not cut waist-high weeds because of a Ghost Month superstition, and the mayor has now overruled it and promised punishment.

• Residents complained that weeds in a Changhua parking lot had grown as tall as car tires.
• Staff at the city office answered that grass should not be cut during Ghost Month.
• A local councillor posted the reply online and it drew wide criticism.
• Changhua Mayor Lin Shih-hsien said no such taboo exists, led a crew to clear the site himself, and will discipline the employee who gave the answer.
• The office blamed heavy rain for the fast growth and delays, warning tall weeds attract mosquitoes and snakes.

Outlook: Clearing work should finish within a day, and the city says complaints will be handled promptly from now on.