News Release

23 June 2003

Hedge Law Blocked by Conservative MP

   Hedgeline, the national lobby and support group for the victims of high hedges, been inundated with despairing messages from long-term hedge victims after progress on the High Hedges Bill was blocked by a Conservative MP on Friday 20 June. During the three-hour debate on MP Stephen Pound’s Private Members Bill, the proceedings were dominated by Mr Christopher Chope, the Conservative MP for Christchurch, who was still talking when time ran out. Although scheduled for continuation on Friday 4 July, there is little prospect of success due to a lack of parliamentary time.

    "In Hedgeline’s view, the debate was a classic example of blocking which clearly frustrated the Bill’s parliamentary supporters as much as it did our members. Although there had been ample opportunity during earlier readings and the committee stage to do so, over 100 amendments and new clauses were tabled against the High Hedges Bill just before its final consideration. They were mostly put forward by Conservative MPs Christopher Chope and Edward Leigh. Mr Chope then dominated the three-hour debate by going through his proposals in minute detail and, according to BBC Radio 4's Yesterday in Parliament programme, spent 43 minutes on one point alone," said Clare Hinchliffe, Hedgeline Policy Director.

    "Conservative MP John Taylor’s High Hedges Bill was given similar obstructive treatment in April 2001 by Mr Chope. Last Friday’s amendments were also designed to render any new High Hedges law incapable of dealing with thousands of nuisance hedges. For example, Mr Chope wanted the Bill not to apply to hedges planted before any legislation, to rule it out entirely in vast swathes of the country, to limit the law to conifers and even to force suffering complainants to pay for hedge cutting. Not surprisingly, we’ve been inundated with despairing messages from hedge victims who have seen their hopes dashed yet again."

    "In the last few months, Hedgeline has received strong support from Stephen Pound MP, the Government and from senior Conservative politicians including Baroness Gardner of Parkes. There is a cross-party consensus on the urgent need for legislation to control nuisance hedges yet we’re still struggling to get a law passed. The only way this Bill will reach the statute books this session is to be adopted by the Government. We call upon them to do so immediately," added Hinchliffe.

    Yvette Cooper, Minister at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, made an official statement after the debate:

    "I am extremely disappointed the Bill didn't get through the Commons. High hedges can make some people's lives a misery and cause great friction between neighbours. This Bill is a sensible way to deal with cases that neighbours can't resolve. The Government believes that legislation is needed in this area and we will make every effort to get it onto the statute books. I would like to thank Stephen Pound for his hard work and pay tribute to the efforts of Hedgeline, who have campaigned so vigorously on this issue."

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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