Bush in Boscombe 'endangering walkers and drivers'

The overgrown greenery has completely blocked the view of a 30mph speed sign and made a blind corner of the busy road even more treacherous.

The bush in Boscombe, Bournemouth is also making the footpath that runs alongside the property hazardous.

There is no longer enough room for pushchairs or wheelchairs to fit past the sprawling hedge.

And the early autumn has caused the bush to moult which is making the increasingly narrow path dangerously slippy.

The offending bush is on the grounds of a private block of flats owned by local landowner, the Meyrick Estate.

Residents are calling for the bush to be trimmed back for public safety.

BCP Council had also issued a notice, giving the property owners 28 days to cut it back or face further action.

Neighbour Jamelia Walters, 76, said: "For elderly people who walk along the pavement with shopping bags it is becoming really difficult.

"So many leaves are falling at the moment that the path is becoming really slippery.

"It is dangerous for residents who live in Highclere Hall to get out of the property because it is blocking their visibility.

"If it is not cut there will be an accident."

Elaine Hall, who lives opposite, said: "It is dangerous. That footpath was already narrow.

"It is really terrible that it is obscuring traffic signs on such a busy road.

The bush in Boscombe. Picture by BNPS

"The bush needs to be cut back as soon as possible before anybody has an accident."

Maria Tabernero, 36, said: "We have quite a few people with babies that can't get past that huge bush with their pushchairs.

"It is quite dangerous protruding into the road because you just can't see if the road is clear."

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: "We are aware of the overhanging hedges on private property at Manor Road and our Neighbourhood Services team have made attempts to contact the owner.

The offending bush. Picture by BNPS

'They have 28 days from our initial request to trim or cut back the area to their boundary or before facing further action.

"Overhanging vegetation can cause safety issues and we'd like to remind homeowners that it is their responsibility to stop bushes, hedges and trees growing over roads and road signs.

"The owner or occupier of a property is legally responsible for ensuring adjacent roads and pavements are not obstructed by vegetation. This is a common issue at this time of year due to rapid plant growth during the summer months."

The Meyrick Estate have been approached for comment.