A worried local is demanding action after their neighbour created a potential road safety hazard by not trimming an overgrown garden bush.
The anonymous resident in the suburban area of Boscombe Gardens in Bournemouth has urged the council to take up shears after the roadside greenery began obscuring a 30mph speed sign and part of the pavement.
He has made already multiple requests to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, believing it is their responsibility to cut the hedge in the interests of public safety.
Describing the issue to the Metro, the individual said: "I have written before about this, but the council doesn’t seem to carry out any checks or maintenance.
"This 'hedge' pushes walkers into the road at the very busy Christchurch Road/Manor Road junction. And the 30mph sign is hidden so if they charge you with speeding you have an excuse."
The local added that much of the work to keep the area around Boscombe Gardens tidy is currently performed by volunteers, who stopped it looking like a "disgrace" by picking up dropped rubbish and monitoring any issues.
"Please spend our rates on some of the issues that affect us old walkers and families out to sensibly enjoy themselves.", he added.
Responding to the complaints, BCP council insisted it was ultimately the legal responsibility of the homeowner concerned to keep the foliage in check as it was private property.
A council spokesperson confirmed they had issued a 28-day notice period to the resident concerned to trim it under threat of consequences, telling the Metro: "They have 28 days from our initial request to trim or cut back the area to their boundary or before facing further action.
"Overhanging vegetation can cause safety issues and we’d like to remind homeowners that it is their responsibility to stop bushes, hedges and trees growing over roads and road signs.
"The owner or occupier of a property is legally responsible for ensuring adjacent roads and pavements are not obstructed by vegetation. This is a common issue at this time of year due to rapid plant growth during the summer months."
