Have your say on welcome 'cutbacks'

Environment minister Edwin Poots last week launched public consultation on proposed legislation to prune the high hedges problem that has cast its shadow over a number of areas locally.

In Banbridge, that includes the Pinley estate, where in recent months residents have complained that anti-social behaviour has been taking place in the shelter of trees and high hedges.

One elderly householder said, “I feel intimidated coming back to my home if I have been out for the evening. The people who gather in behind those trees are drinking and doing who knows what else.”

Having received many complaints, he said, Councillor Jim McElroy was among those leading calls for the introduction of local legislation to put offending plants to the axe.

In England and Wales, high hedges legislation is contained in Part Eight of the Anti Social behaviour Act 2003, the provision giving local authorities powers to deal with complaints about high hedges having an adverse effect on a neighbour’s enjoyment of his property.

In the Lagan Valley constituency, MLA Jonathan Craig was among the first to welcome consultation on a high hedges Bill.

The DUP man also raised the associated road safety issue of large hedges on street-corners restricting the view of drivers.

He asked if the Minister would include the matter in the Bill.

“I raised the point with the Minister,” he said, “about the ability of Roads Service or councils to trim hedges on street corners down to one metre, as large hedges or trees at the recommended two metres would still restrict a driver’s view of oncoming traffic or even the presence of pedestrians."