Campaign urges Stockport residents to cut back overhanging trees and bushes
Overhanging trees and bushes can force people, especially wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs – into the road, putting their safety at risk
A new campaign has been launched to encourage residents with overhanging trees and bushes to Cut It Back.
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council has launched its Cut It Back campaign after being inundated with complaints from residents unable to use the pavements due to the obstructions.
Overhanging trees and bushes can force people - especially wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs – into the road, putting their safety at risk.
Bushes and trees can also cause a problem for motorists, particularly those of high-sided vehicles such as lorries or buses.
Cllr Sheila Bailey, cabinet member for sustainable Stockport, said: “Overhanging trees and hedges which are not properly maintained can cause a real danger to pedestrians and motorists.
“People who have property bordering the road or footway may not realise it’s their responsibility to ensure vegetation is not causing a danger or obstruction.
“We are encouraging residents to maintain their trees and hedges responsibly and to inspect them regularly during the growing season.”
The campaign, being promoted through the council’s social media channels, aims to raise awareness of the fact that maintenance of trees and hedges growing on private land is the responsibility of the property or land owner.
People are advised to ensure the footway is clear of vegetation to a height of 8ft (2.5m) and the road is clear to a height of 17ft (5.1m) and 1.8ft (0.5m) from the edge of the road towards their property.
If made aware of any problems caused by overhanging vegetation, the council’s highways team will write to the landowner asking them to cut it back.
Then, if no action is taken, the council may get its own staff to cut back the tree or hedge and bill the landowner.
