Hedge-trimming fiasco blamed for poor visibility from vehicles exiting Woolhampton Way and forced walking on Romford Road

A nightmare situation for pedestrians and drivers alike, created by overhanging bushes, is a real health and safety concern say local Chigwell residents.

Neglect by Epping Forest District Council has resulted in dangerous overhanging branches, that force pedestrians into the roads and rip ino their clothes and bags.  Moreover, the bushy overgrowth has also made it impossible for drivers to exit Woolhampton Way, without first encroaching onto Romford Road. This is causing cars on the main route to swerve to avoid the protruding cars, or triggering dangerous reverses by the encroaching vehicles to avoid a crash.

Worse still a simple walk along the pavement reveals how the limited cutting back of the bushes along the pavement, have resulted in a halving of the pavement area in certain locations. This is not because of of branches overhanging, but the growth of bushes that have been allowed to extend completely over large swathes of pavement. This makes it impossible for two way pedestrian activity, without dangerous excursions onto Romford Road - a 40mph dual-carriageway.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of Chigwell Row Residents Association said;

"The neglect of these bushes is a serious safety hazard, but it seems to be of no concern to Epping Forest District Council.

"The fact that their negligence has resulted in such a narrowing of a once wide pedestrian walkway, is symbolic of their poor governance and insouciance.

"These bushes need to be cut right back to their original line, not just trimmed, or the same situation will resurface in only weeks, following remedial works.

"Sadly this is not the only area where such concerns exist, I have had to report similar issues on Pudding Lane and other sites, evidencing this problem is systemic."

Hannah Chowdhry has registered the complaint on line which can be traced via Ref: 2682754