Mather - HIGH HEDGES COME UNDER SCRUTINY

Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll & Bute has welcomed the announcement
from his colleague Fergus Ewing, MSP, the Minister for Community Safety,
that the Scottish Government is to undertake a consultation process to
examine how neighbours disputes about high hedges can be resolved
effectively and, if it is found to be necessary, in law.

Jim Mather said:

"I am pleased to learn that the Government is to take
action to tackle what is a small but persistent source of dispute
between neighbours. There have been attempts in the past to introduce
such legislation at Holyrood but because of timing problems we have not
so far managed to resolve this issue. In most cases where a hedge is a
problem this is resolved in an amicable way but there are occasions
where neighbours can carry disputes about such apparently simple matters
into very hostile territory. MSPs can confirm that it is a small but
persistent problem throughout Scotland that can, on occasion, degenerate
to antisocial behaviour.

The government is meeting with Scothedge, an
organisation which represents many people affected by this issue. They
can be contacted at www.pentlandhedge.colwat.com but the consultation
will be wider and more extensive. There are suggestions that the
inclusion of maximum hedge heights could be incorporated into title
deeds, the introduction of better and more effective mediation
procedures or the introduction of new law if that is felt to be
necessary. The input of local authorities would be useful. The
consultation process will end on November 13th. Correspondence and
information can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/current
and for printed or handwritten forms etc to
Community Safety Unit, High Hedges Consultation, The
Scottish Government, 1W St Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.

JIM MATHER MSP jim.mather.msp@scottish.parliament.uk