Clampdown on hostile hedges (From Gazette Series)

Clampdown on hostile hedges

ANTI-SOCIAL high hedges are to be outlawed under new legislation brought about in part by the persistence of a North Nibley man.

From June 1 the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, Part 8, High Hedges, will come into force.

The act will permit enforcement action against hedges over two metres that affect the reasonable enjoyment of neighbours in their properties.

John Machin, from Warren Croft, North Nibley, wrote to the then Home Secretary David Blunkett to suggest that high hedges were classified as anti-social.

He explained: "There was a private member's bill to create legislation but it was talked down in Parliament by two Conservative MPs.

"However, soon afterwards I was listening to Any Questions on the radio and they were talking about anti-social behaviour.

"I thought that high hedges were anti-social so I wrote to Mr Blunkett and suggested it."

Mr Machin received a letter from Mr Blunkett explaining that the matter was actually one for the deputy prime minister John Prescott, who he then had further correspondence with.

A protest group, Hedgeline, had also fought a lengthy campaign on the issue and together with individuals such as Mr Machin they helped get the legislation approved.

Mr Machin has campaigned for the legislation after experiencing problems in his own back garden.

A neighbour's Leylandii hedge rises well above his two-metre high fence and obscures a view towards Stinchcombe Hill.

Mr Machin added: "At various times I have asked them to cut it back but if they cut it by two feet it is no time before it is where it was before and beyond. "I find myself imprisoned by this. I look out of the window and I can't see anything but the hedge."

The hedge in question has recently been cut but is still over two metres high. Mr Machin also has photographs showing that the hedge has been twice the height in the past - albeit several years ago.