Time to trim overhanging foliage

From City Scene, published on 9 December, 2007

Clearing the way for pedestrians: The council reminds property owners and drivers that overhanging vegetation and parking on grass verges cause obstructions for footpath users.

Property owners should keep public footpaths clear of overhanging foliage from their gardens because it causes problems for people using footpaths, especially those with prams, riding mobility scooters, or who have sight difficulties.

"Owners should keep such vegetation trimmed rather than waiting for the council to act on public complaints," says Jackie Wilkinson, the council's manager of service requests. "The council is responsible for maintaining trees and foliage on public property," she says, "but we rely on property owners to prune plants and trees on their boundaries - providing they have resource consent approval for works around or to protected trees." Jackie says it would be great if people were proactive and community-minded about this. "When the council is forced to take action because property owners won't, the cost of any required work is ultimately recovered from the property owner," she says.

Cars parked on grass verges and footpaths often force people onto the road, putting their safety at risk, and potentially damaging underground power and phone services.

Footpaths are for people to use and they should be kept clear at all times.

If you want to ask the council for help or further information, phone 379 2020 or visit the website.