Last weekend before hedge and streams deadline

While the twice-yearly routine can seem like a chore, it's vital to keep streams running freely and prevent flooding and to keep roads safe for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly as the darker evenings approach.

If you do use this weekend please remember that any cuttings have to be cleared immediately. There is no period of grace and this is specified in the relevant legislation.

This, too, is important, to ensure gutters and drains don't become blocked with debris when the autumn rains come.

• Please note that the last day for complying with the law is Wednesday 30 September and inspections will start immediately afterwards

The official position

Hedges and trees bordering a public road must be cut back between the 1st and 15th of June and between the 15th and 30th of September each year in order that they do not overhang the public road up to the 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 inspect the hedges and report on their state to the Parish Office who will contact the land owner if necessary.

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.

Streams - Most streams on the Island are inspected twice a year following the 15th of June and after the 30th of September. Owners must therefore ensure that streams are free from overgrown vegetation and silt to enable the water to run freely. Land owners are also requested to ensure that the Constables are able to freely access the stream for inspection. The state of the streams is reported to the Parish Office who will contact the land owner if necessary.

This is so the parish can comply with the Loi Relative aux Douits, 1953 and the Parochial Administration Ordinance 2013, which means that streams are required to be clear of all debris, weed growth etc. to ensure that they flow in an unobstructed manner.