Rows over high hedges focus of Bill

EFFORTS to tackle neighbourhood disputes over high hedges have taken a step forward with the introduction of a formal proposal to legislate at the Scottish Parliament.

SNP backbencher Mark McDonald met English local authority leaders where regulations are in place to see how a legal framework could help.

He said: “After announcing my intention to bring forward a private members’ Bill, the volume of correspondence I received on the matter – along with those received by the Scottish Government since the end of the 2009 consultation – showed that this issue affects many people and can have a significant impact on affected individuals.

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“This is an issue that blights lives and damages neighbourhood relationships.”

“Now that the Bill proposal has been lodged, the next step will be for a parliamentary committee to decide if there is a need for another consultation or if we can go straight to legislation. I am hopeful I will be able to introduce the Bill in mid-2012.”

An earlier attempt to tackle the issue – which can lead to disputes over the height of hedges and bushes between properties – was brought forward by former Labour MSP Scott Barrie in 2002.