Deadline looming for streams and hedges

By law, hedges and trees bordering a public road must be cut back between 15th and 30th of September each year so that they do not overhang the thoroughfare up to a height of 12 ft from the road (where the road is ordinarily used by vehicular traffic) or 8 ft from the road (where the road is not ordinarily used by vehicular traffic). By law, all cuttings must be cleared immediately. It is the responsibility of the land owner to keep all hedges and trees trimmed and under control throughout the year, not just at inspection time.

The Constables and the Douzaine check the hedges and report on their state to the Parish Office who will contact the land owner if necessary.

Good neighbour
This is to comply with the Cutting of Hedges Ordinances and the Parochial Administration Ordinance 2017, under which the Constables and Douzaine have to give notice to the owners of land bordering public roads that they are required to cut and trim the hedges as directed above.

Failure to comply with the legislation will incur a civil penalty of £50 plus an additional fine of £5 per day in which the failure continues.

As the Guernsey Press reports today (above), keeping hedges trimmed and streams cleared is more than a chore, it's an essential part of being a good neighbour by keeping roads and pavements safe for users and preventing flooding.

• Checks on streams and hedges will start immediately after the 30th and the law allows for no period of grace after the deadline has expired.