MSP pushes as Executive hedges
16 Mar 05
Barrie launches own consultation on measure to tackle high hedges
A Labour MSP is launching his own formal consultation on a proposed bill to tackle the problem of high hedges overshadowing neighbours' properties.
Dunfermline West member Scott Barrie wants to give local councils the power to intervene when neighbours are unable to reach agreement.
The Scottish Executive, while sympathetic, has been unable to find time for a bill in its own legislative programme, despite an 850-signature petition to the parliament two years ago. Mr Barrie hopes to proceed by way of a member's bill.
Hundreds of people across Scotland are said to be affected by the problem, but in the absence of agreement with their neighbours they have at present no legal recourse.