It’s time to trim

 

Cheshire East Council is asking local residents to keep their boundary hedges and trees trimmed.

The Authority is asking people with properties that border highways or pavements to check their foliage isn’t overflowing on to the road or footway.

Overgrown hedges and trees can cause a danger to walkers, the visually impaired and people with pushchairs. They can also impair the vision of drivers.

Ideally, hedges and trees should be cut back to a property boundary, with a head clearance of 2.5 metres on a footway and clear of street lights.

In extreme circumstances, where foliage is considered to be causing an immediate danger, Cheshire East Council can cut back the hedge or tree and recharge the property owner.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said:

“It is vital we all take responsibility for maintaining our hedges and trees. Once overgrown, they pose serious dangers to many road and footway users. This request is simple asking local residents to be mindful of those around them.”

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said:

“I wholeheartedly support this request. It is excellent example of how residents can help make their community a safer place.”

Gary Mallin, Cheshire East Council's Highway Asset Manager, added:

"The cutting back of overgrown hedges is a very important part of maintaining safety for all road users and we would like to thank residents who make sure their hedges are properly trimmed. We are committed to ensuring our roads and footways are as safe as possible."

For more information on the Cheshire East Council Highways Service, please phone 0845 002 0666.