From David:
A great deal has been said about cars parking onpublic footpaths, robbing pedestrians of the outer portion of the pavement. But how much has been said or done about overhanging front gardens, robbing pedestrians of the inner portion, and often spiking or scratching us into the bargain? The law is quite clear that a front wall or fence is the boundary of a front garden. See Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980. Yet numerous front gardens overhang far onto the pavement, sometimes from low down, other times at head height. Most pavements in this area seem to be 3 or 4 slabs wide. Many hedges in Palace Gates road, Victoria Road, Princes Avenue, Albert Road etc. overhang one, two or even three slabs.
It is disappointing how one has to be so persistent and forceful in order to get anyone to take remedial action. You might imagine that a polite request pointing out the hazard that a hedge presents, particularly to the disabled, would be followed by courteous and swift action. Sadly, that is not always the case. So I ask all readers to cut their hedges and plants right back to their garden perimeter, in the knowledge that all passers-by, especially the disabled, will be deeply grateful.
Replies
I will send a message around my road's WhatsApp group saying that here has been a chat about overhanging hedges and front gardens on this site, and that we need to be mindful of this issue, etc. Maybe other people on this site could also send a message around similar groups if they belong to one. I agree that it is ridiculous that you have to set up a My Account with Haringey to report this kind of thing. Plus, not everyone has access to the internet - we saw that come out during the pandemic.
From David:
The Enforcement Officer from Haringey phoned me on Friday May 27. He had written to both the properties I particularly highlighted. One had not responded; the other had taken action. However, I had to tell him that the action taken was a purely cosmetic, minuscule clipping of a hedge which continues to monopolise a large proportion of the pavement. I got the impression that this poor chap was overwhelmed with complaints about overhanging gardens etc. I would guess that an insufficient budget is put aside for dealing with this whole issue, and the Enforcement Officers are somewhat beleaguered. This Officer was kind and helpful, and will do his best. We pedestrians are caught in the middle, between thoughtless property owners and struggling Enforcement teams. Perhaps shaming the property owners into behaving responsibly is our only hope!
And whatever you do, don't trim them yourself -- even if your deed states you are required to maintain the adjacent pathway, and/or they block your own view to pass safely onto the public pavement, and/or the owner of the hedge doesn't trim them as promised, and is away for an extended period of eg two months plus during which time (hedge) growth increases very quickly due to heavy rainfall, and/or the hedge is photographed (and published on a well-respected local community website), to demonstrate the negative impact (an untended nuisance hedge) has on wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and others, or if you are simply feel you're doing "the right thing" to protect yourself, the community, or indeed the owner of the hedge from fines.
I say this because if you do, be aware it is a criminal act. One which will be treated very seriously by our local Safer Neighbourhoods Met Police Team.
I write this so others don't fall foul of the law and find themselves threatened with a charge of criminal damage.
I suggest the council is contacted even though it may be a complicated or frustrating task as you describe, David, involving "red tape", with no or a long delayed response. I understand and feel for you.
* If there were fewer barriers, this would be more in keeping with Haringey's newly launched Social Model of Disability campaign (the inaugural event was held yesterday at the Selby Centre). *
In fact now this initiative has begun, Disability Action Haringey's Darren Willbourne may be able to help with the extra hurdles involved when dealing with such important matters. Especially as it's typically a repetitive task, for yourself and others.
Just a heads up (no pun intended)!
best wishes
Dear David, unfortunately I do not make the rules,. In addition to the online facility - which cllrs have been told residents need to use - I have also mentioned residents can report the issue via their Councillor. Feel free to contact me directly at Alessandra.rossetti@haringey.gov.uk with the references you have been given and I can check with Haringey what is happening and why you have not received any update. Hope this helps, Alessandra
Dear David - I agree that this request is the best way, but if this is not working residents can flag issues with edges directly on the Harigey website (https://www.haringey.gov.uk/contact/trees-hedges) or via their Councillor. Hope this helps, Alessandra
Reply from David:
In order to use the facility which Cllr Rossetti recommends, you have to sign up to a "My Account" with Haringey. So much red tape, when all I want to do is report an overhanging hedge.
I had already reported a couple of particular hedge horrors directly by E-mail to Haringey, who have given me reference numbers and assured me that the relevant Enforcement Officer will be in direct touch with me. So far, nothing. A tiny corner of one of the hedges has just been clipped, we noticed today, but that doesn't help one iota. It still overhangs almost one entire slab of the pavement.
Hear! Hear!