News Release

21 January 2005


 

Hedgeline asks: what's happened to the high hedges law?


Hedgeline, the national lobby and support group for the victims of high hedges, is asking the Government to explain the continued delay on the "high hedges" law. As part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, the law will allow complaints to be made about nuisance hedges to local councils. Although the legislation was passed by Parliament in November 2003, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has failed to put it into effect. No date has been given for implementation.


"The new high hedges law, designed to give some protection for the sufferers of problem hedges, was passed in November 2003. We have now been waiting 14 months for that law to be put in force. The Government repeatedly said [in nine written answers in Parliament since December 2003] that the law was expected to be fully operational 'towards the end of 2004'. In late October 2004, the Government changed its mind and said 'early in 2005' [four written answers]," said Clare Hinchliffe, Campaign Leader, Hedgeline.


"Most hedge victims have suffered for a long time but were prepared to wait a year for the new law to be come into effect. However, unexplained delays in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are causing considerable disquiet amongst our members. Why is the Government giving so little priority to this much-needed legislation? When will the new high hedges law be available for use? The Government just won't say. This law is needed right now, not later."


Hedgeline expects that many thousands of hedge victims will be filing complaints with their local authorities as soon as the new law comes into force. Hedge owners will be asked to cut their hedges down to size or face the consequences of an enforcement procedure that includes heavy fines and prosecution. Hedgeline intends to offer practical advice to its members including how to make an official high hedges complaint.


 

About Hedgeline

Formed in 1998, Hedgeline (www.hedgeline.org) is a large lobby and support group with over 4,000 members. Its primary objective is the effective legislative control of problem hedges of all species in residential areas. The issues caused by high hedges include light deprivation, subsidence and many other problems that adversely affect people's enjoyment of their homes and gardens. Working through local groups across the United Kingdom, Hedgeline provides members with comprehensive advice and information by drawing on the practical experiences of thousands of hedge victims.


Hedgeline Photographs: www.hedgeline.org/photos.htm

Electronic text for this news release is at www.hedgeline.org/news.htm


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A list of the relevant House of Commons written questions and answers compiled from Hansard is available on request by e-mail from Clare Hinchliffe and Nancy Webster or from website.