Dangerous hedge alert issued

Overgrown hedges can block light and cause obstructions

A county council in the East Midlands is ready to fine people who fail to cut back their hedges and trees .

Five households have already been issued enforcement notices by Derbyshire County Council for failing to cut back their hedges.

Council spokesman Brian Lucas said the overgrown hedges and trees can pose a danger to the visually impaired and also block street lighting.

The notices are sent out over a couple of weeks, and most responsible owners of hedges and trees will take action, he said.

Knocked down

"But we can prosecute and levy a fine of up to £1,000 or we can do the work ourselves and charge the owner."

It will cost about £4 a metre to cut back the offending hedges, he said.

The untidy hedges pose real problems for people who are visually impaired or partially sighted, as they can be easily injured or knocked over, he said.

Pat Taylor, chief executive of Derbyshire Association for the Blind, said: "I want to walk to work in the morning and it can be quite difficult if the trees and hedges are overgrown.

"I have had a scratched face and even knocked down by a tree," she said.

"The hedges need to be cut back - they are a danger," she said.

"Guide dogs are trained to help you avoid an obstruction, but sometimes that can be quite difficult."