Wilmslow householders urged to cut back overgrown hedges
Residents are being asked to check their property boundaries as concerns continue over vegetation reducing the space available on local pavements.
By Cheshire Today
People living in Wilmslow are being reminded of their responsibility to keep pavements clear where hedges and shrubs from private properties extend onto public footways.
Wilmslow Town Council says it regularly hears from residents about overgrown vegetation narrowing pavements around the town.
The problem can make routes particularly difficult for people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, parents with pushchairs and children walking to school.
Householders are therefore being encouraged to inspect hedges and shrubs along their boundaries and cut them back where they are encroaching onto the pavement.
Wilmslow Town Mayor Councillor Sally Harrison said the request was intended as a “gentle reminder” rather than an enforcement campaign.
She said keeping pavements clear could make a significant difference to people who need more space to travel safely around the town.
Responsibility for dealing with obstructions on public roads and pavements rests with Cheshire East Council rather than Wilmslow Town Council.
However, most hedges and trees extending over public highways from neighbouring properties are privately owned, meaning responsibility for keeping them safe and preventing an obstruction rests with the landowner.
Where vegetation is causing a problem, Cheshire East Council can contact the owner and require it to be cut back.
If the necessary work is not carried out, the authority may undertake the work itself and seek to recover the cost from the owner.
Cheshire East is separately responsible for trees and hedges it owns alongside the highway.
Problems involving council-maintained vegetation, verges and other road or pavement issues can be reported through the authority’s online highways reporting service.
The reminder comes at a useful time for garden maintenance, with September and October generally suitable months for trimming many established hedges.
Residents are being advised to check carefully for active bird nests before starting work.
Councillor Harrison thanked householders who already maintain their boundaries, saying their efforts help keep Wilmslow’s pavements accessible for everyone.