Neighbour row erupts in quiet residential street as locals fear overgrown hedge could put school children at risk of being ‘run over’

A bitter dispute has broken out in a residential street in East Sussex over fears that an overgrown hedge is putting schoolchildren’s safety at risk.

Residents of Stoneleigh Avenue, Patcham have raised concerns that the protruding hedge creates a dangerous blind spot for vehicles exiting driveways.

The controversial shrubbery, located near Patcham High School, has been a source of growing tension among neighbours for months.

Local residents fear children walking to school could be struck by vehicles as drivers are unable to spot them until it’s too late due to the hedge’s excessive growth.

The issue has sparked heated debates within the community, with complaints being raised to Brighton and Hove City Council. One furious resident, who asked not to be named, told of their frustration: “It’s an obstruction. Schoolchildren walk down here but they refuse to do anything.”

The anonymous resident told The Argus that contractors had specifically highlighted safety concerns about the hedge.

“It’s dangerous for vans – contractors have complained that they cannot see down the driveway and said they are really struggling with it,” the resident explained.

The situation has left locals increasingly frustrated with official responses. “We have got nowhere with the council. It’s as if you are dealing with MI5,” the resident added.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Archaeologists discover luxury Roman villa in English countryside with stunning finds inside
• Mystery shipwreck leaves local baffled as explorer investigates debris in secluded cove
• Three major rail networks renationalised under Labour’s plan to ‘overhaul’ ‘failed’ services

Members of the council’s highways obstruction team have visited the site to assess the problem. However, residents claim they have received mixed messages from the council regarding whether the hedge constitutes an obstruction.

The council has maintained that the shrubbery is not causing an obstruction to public areas. Despite residents’ persistent concerns, the local authority has encouraged property owners to take responsibility for their own hedges.

The council also suggested that residents should trim back their hedges “if doing so makes our streets safer,” but insisted it was not their responsibility to intervene.

Responding to the ongoing dispute, Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, clarified the council’s position.

He said: “This is dispute between neighbours concerning a hedge on a private driveway between two homes and not a public highway. The hedge is not causing an obstruction to the public highway and therefore its removal or otherwise is not the responsibility of the council.

“A previous complaint made to us in relation to this hedge was referred to the ombudsman and was not upheld.

“We would always encourage residents to consider how trees or hedges on their property can impact neighbours, pedestrians or other road users and trim back any growth if doing so helps make our streets safer.”