Tree Care in Bedford Borough in Need of Surgery say Lib Dems

5.32.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Oct 2007

Cllr Phil Merryman is calling on Bedford Borough Council to start taking the problem of overgrown trees and bushes seriously

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called on the council to address public concern over unsightly, overgrown bushes and trees across the borough. Lib Dems on the council are receiving more complaints from residents on this subject than ever, with many people concerned not only about the effect of unattractive, unkempt trees and bushes in local neighbourhoods but also the safety issues involved with trees overhanging roads and footpaths.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Phil Merryman questioned Environment and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder Ian Clifton on the council's approach to bush and tree maintenance at last night's full council meeting. After being told that the council provides an "acceptable standard of horticultural repair," Cllr Merryman commented:

"The welfare of the trees and bushes may be fine, but it is the people walking or cycling into them that I am concerned about. Residents are fed up with overgrown trees and bushes obstructing footpaths, overhanging their properties and making our local neighbourhoods look untidy. Overgrown trees and bushes cause residents a range of problems including blocking light onto properties and making footpaths a real hazard for wheelchair users or parents with prams. The council is simply not committed to addressing these problems.'

"I hit my head on a tree obstructing a path in Putnoe Park 3 years ago while cycling, and naturally I reported the tree as being in need of pruning. Three years later I am still waiting for it to be pruned, and in the meantime goodness knows how many people have had accidents involving that particular tree. This is typical of the situation faced by local residents when seeking to have trees and bushes repaired, which was also illustrated by the person who contacted me recently about a small child who had scratched her face on a tree in need of pruning. It is time that Bedford Borough Council took this issue as seriously as the local residents who are having to live with the problem.'

"The issue is complicated by the fact that there are several different bodies involved with tree and bush maintenance, with responsibility divided between the Borough, the County and even Housing Associations. This should not be an excuse for inaction, however, and all agencies involved must take responsibility in tackling the problems of overgrown trees and bushes that are all too obvious across the borough. Sadly, Bedford Borough Council shows little sign of doing so."