Prickly row over ‘trip hazard’ shrubs pits gardener against council

Carol Harbach, Dedham’s council officer, insisted the council was entitled to take action against sidewalk blockages, but could not comment on what enforcement action might be taken.

The council said: “We have received a number of complaints from other residents and we do not ask people unless it is a health and safety matter. We have a duty as a community to comply with these requests to cut back vegetation when it is overgrown.

“It’s something that impedes the footpath and we have a duty to deal with hedges and keep the footpath safe.”

Colin Biggins, Chair of the Dedham Horticultural Society, said: “Becky is a tremendous garden enthusiast and conservationist who is one of our long standing members.

“I can see both sides of the argument but we’re terribly risk averse these days and I think the advice is overblown.”