News Release

23rd March 2005


 

Hedgeline welcomes introduction of high hedges law on 1st June


Hedgeline, the national lobby and support group for the victims of high hedges, has welcomed the Government's long-delayed introduction of the 'high hedges law' (Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003). A ministerial commencement order and other regulations laid before Parliament yesterday (22nd March) will see the new law coming into force in England on Wednesday 1st June. It will allow complaints to be made about nuisance hedges to local councils and legal action taken to reduce hedge heights. The law has been in force in Wales since 31st December 2004.


"This much-welcomed legislation sends a powerful message to all those people whose hedges have adversely affected the lives, homes, and gardens of their neighbours for many years. If you don't respond voluntarily to requests to cut your high hedge, then the new anti-social behaviour law for high hedges will intervene from 1st June," said Clare Hinchliffe, Campaign Leader, Hedgeline. "We will be closely monitoring the performance of local authorities enforcing the new law, giving practical advice to our members, and ensuring early cases under the legislation are given maximum publicity. However, we remain worried about the possible level of fees that some local authorities may charge to victims of anti-social behaviour. Hedge victims should not be forced to pay excessively high fees in order to regain the enjoyment of their homes and gardens."


Hedgeline expects that many thousands of hedge victims will be filing complaints with their local authorities when new high hedges law comes into force on 1st June. 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 advice to its members about the relevant grounds for making an official 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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