A word about overgrown hedges next to roads and footpaths
Did you know that where hedges and trees grow on the edge of the highway or footpath and mark its boundary with private property, it is the responsibility of the adjacent landowner/occupier to maintain them?
The Parish Council has recently completed a survey of the main thoroughfares in the village, with particular regard to overgrown hedges and foliage encroaching on footpaths and roads.
Where the Highways Authority has responsibility, we have requested that it carries out the work. Unfortunately, in many instances maintenance in West Hill does not fall to the Highways Authority. Our recent survey has identified some places where overgrown hedges, verges and banks bordering the road are starting to pose a danger to the safe passage of traffic and pedestrians, or where visibility is impaired.
As a first step, we are writing to the property owners concerned to request that they cut back foliage from the road or path to improve access by users.
We work closely with the Highways Authority and where a request from the Parish Council goes unanswered, the Authority may serve a notice on the owner/occupier requiring the work to be completed within a certain timeframe. Failing that, the Authority has the power to do the work and claim back the cost from the owner/occupier.
Many children in the village walk to school or to catch a school bus and we would like to make their walk as safe as possible. Please check your hedges and boundaries and if necessary cut back overgrown foliage well off the road or footpath.
Help us to keep West Hill safe.
