HIGH HEDGES: GOVERNMENT IN DANGER OF PRUNING BACK LEGISLATION - HAMWEE

Liberal Democrats played a key role in the Government's decision today to move to give councils the power to intervene in "high hedge" disputes between neighbours.

Originally the Government would not allow the provisions as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill as the Bill would only look at anti-social behaviour in terms of its effects on the community.

The Government conceded that high hedges could be included when Baroness (Sally) Hamwee, Liberal Democrat ODPM Spokesperson, in the House of Lords, pointed out that the Bill's provisions do deal with the effects of anti-social behaviour on individuals and households.

"The Government were in danger of pruning back this legislation too far. Disputes between neighbours over high hedges can cause misery for all parties.

"Tall trees planted in the wrong place can be very anti-social. It is quite right that the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill tackles the misery they can cause."