Bushes cut back after councillor threatens to do it himself

We are happy to clarify this is not the case and that the land is privately owned and any work would only be carried out by the owner. 

AN angry councillor says an overgrown bush on a dangerous road bend has finally been cut back... but only after he threatened to step up and do it himself.

The hedge opposite the Britannia Gurkha Restaurant, in Berechurch Road, had become a potential hazard for motorists using the road, which has a tight bend.  

Cut Back - Dave Harris next to the once-overgrown hedge (Image: Dave Harris)

Problem - the overgrown bush (Image: Olivia Watts) Olivia Watts was driving down the road on Sunday (October 6) when the overgrown bushes scratched her car.

She said: "If it’s dark and the road is normally maintained, it’s not something you expect to see when driving down this road, especially if you’re driving at 25mph.

"It could cause an accident if someone is going fast and swerves to dodge it.

"I was not expecting the bush to be so far out and heavy as it was. I drive down this road regularly and the bushes are normally trimmed back."

Damage - the scratches on Olivia's car (Image: Olivia Watts)

She added: "It’s easier said than done to go slowly round it. Because it’s on the corner, you have to be prepared for something coming fast the other way

"It wouldn’t be as bad if it wasn’t on the corner of the road."

Berechurch councillor Dave Harris said he was going to cut the hedge himself if nothing was done, and kitted himself out with high-vis clothing and a hedge-cutter.

But he said the work was finally completed after he contacted both Colchester and Essex councils.

The land is privately owned and Essex County Council and Colchester Council did not carry out the work. 

He said: "All the work was done on Monday night because I said I was going to do it myself. 

"The workmen were only there for half an hour.

"What should have happened is they should ascertain the land owner and write to that person saying 'if you don't do it we will and we will charge you'."

A spokesman for Essex Highways previously said: "All verges and foliage we are responsible for are cut back twice a year in June and October.

“If we receive reports of safety issues, we will carry out ad-hoc clearances where possible, but we would ask landowners to stay on top of overgrown foliage from their private land.

“This foliage in Berechurch Road, Colchester, is privately owned. Its ownership is currently being investigated, after which appropriate follow up action will be considered.

“We encourage residents to report any issues with foliage through our online Tell Us tool at https://www.essexhighways.org/tell-us.”