News Release

14 June 2003

Hedgeline Nears End of Five-Year Campaign Against Nuisance Hedges

House of Commons Final Reading Friday 20 June

   Hedgeline, the national lobby and support group for the victims of high hedges, is nearing the end of its five-year campaign against the problems caused by nuisance hedges. On Friday 20^th June, the High Hedges Bill reaches its Final Reading in the House of Commons. The Bill passed through the Committee Stage in early May without amendment following its unopposed Second Reading in March. If successfully voted through by Members of Parliament, the High Hedges Bill will be sent to the House of Lords to complete the legislative process.

"Most hedge growers are responsible and considerate people who won’t be troubled by the proposed new legislation. The High Hedges Bill makes it clear that any unjustified complaints will be thrown out. Unfortunately, some growers are ignoring the adverse effects of their high hedges despite being alerted to the problems by their neighbours. Hedgeline estimates that there are thousands of householders who - most unfairly - cannot enjoy their homes and gardens because of a neighbour’s high hedge. If the High Hedges Bill becomes law in the next few weeks, it will help ensure that this country remains a green and pleasant land for everyone, " said Clare Hinchliffe, Hedgeline Policy Director.

Hedge Victims Willing to Talk to the Media

A terrace of victims (Caterham, Surrey). A row of small terraced houses with 30 foot gardens overshadowed by twelve 80 foot high Leylandii. No afternoon sun, subsidence, collapsing gardens and the grass won’t grow. Owners refuse all contacts by victims, mediation service and local authority. Contact Debbie, Tel: 01883 34544

South-facing rooms but no sunlight (Arkley, North London). Hedge of 20 Leylandii at 40-50 foot high just 20 foot from windows blocks sunlight to south-facing rooms. Darkness throughout winter. Contact: Ron, Tel: 0208 441 9926.

Overhanging Roof (Kidderminster): Leylandi hedge overhanging the house and damaging the roof. Roots threaten main drains. Contact: John, Tel: 01746 780057.

Malicious damage on video (Norwich): 110 feet of 15 feet high Leylandii close to windows and taking light. 80-year old pensioner trying to sell house. Hedge-owning neighbour in court twice for criminal damage (videos of attacks available) Contact: Margery, 01379 677524.

Unsaleable bungalow (Lincoln): Hedge 20 foot high by 20 foot long with a four foot overhang. Once potential purchasers saw the outlook from this bungalow’s lounge, they lost interest. Nothing grows in the shade. The property was then rented but four sets of tenants proved unsatisfactory. On the last approach to his neighbour, the hedge victim was told: "If you feel so strongly about it, take us to court". Contact: Karl, 01522 821419.

Frustrated Gardener, age 77 (Salford): A neighbour’s high hedge has ended a hobby of growing prize carnations. Three apple trees and all the rhubarb have died due to lack of sunshine. "If the politicians saw my garden they would understand what we are saying". Contact: Hilda, 0161 794 4610.

Hemmed in by Hedges (Southampton): Leylandii hedges covering three sides of the garden; one 150 foot long by 50 foot high; another 60 foot high; the third is 50 foot high. One of the hedges is 6 feet from the side of the house. Lack of light requires kitchen lights on continually, the rest of the house is always dark and cold. Drainpipes are constantly blocked with debris. Unable to grow plants due to a lack of sunlight and moisture. "If we look out of the bedroom, kitchen or dining room windows, all we see are trees" Contact: Ron & Annie, 01489 557762 or 07973 678 312.

Property Damage and Insurance Refusal (Coventry): High hedge damage to parking area and garage foundations. Refused insurance. Contact: Devendra, 0247 641 5417

£40,000 Property Devaluation (Teignmouth): A sea view has been taken away by an 80 foot high hedge. The hedge victim has been advised of a £40,000 property devaluation as a result. Contact: David, 01626 777880.

4,000 Other Members (Nationwide): Hedgeline has well over 4,000 members all of whom could tell similar stories or worse. More hedge victims willing to talk to the media are listed at www.hedgeline.org/jcontacts.htm. Note: Victims’ telephone numbers are not for publication in the media without permission.

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

Media Enquiries Only (Telephone numbers not for publication in the media without permission)