Residents call for ‘dangerous’ hedge to be cut

The offending 12ft-high hedge, which is growing from private property on Kirby Drive, has become overgrown and its branches now sprawl out onto the path Residents on the other side of the hedge in Stanley Road say it used to be maintained by the council but now have been told it is their responsibility.

Barbara Davidson, 71, said: “It looks awful, there are about ten residents the council are trying to put the responsibility on and the hedge is just getting worse and worse.

“It is dreadful. It is really bad for people walking along the path as people have to walk out onto the grass verge.

“It is dangerous, especially this time of year when the grass is wet and people could easily slip over and hurt themselves. We have a lot of elderly people around here.”

She added: “The council should cut it, not us, it is not even on our land. They always used to cut the hedge but now they are trying to put the onus on us.”

East Sussex County Council said it may have cut the hedge in the past – but could not be responsible for it at a cost to the public.

Roger Williams, head of highways at East Sussex County Council, said: “Overgrown hedges obstructing roads and pavements are a massive issue for us across East Sussex. “Homeowners are legally responsible for hedges on their property and are required by law to ensure they are kept clear from the highway.

“We do not routinely cut back hedges, but may do so if a pavement cannot be used or cars are being forced to swerve to get past.

“Where we do cut hedges, we would usually bill the homeowner. We work within a limited budget and cannot and will not spend taxpayers’ money cutting back vegetation when the responsibility lies with the homeowner.

“Our enforcement officers regularly check for overhanging vegetation and we will take action when a road or pavement is obstructed.

“Initially we will write to the homeowner asking them to take action, but will cut hedges and bushes and pass on the charges if nothing is done.”