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Trim Your Eyecatching Shrubbery

People in Poole are being asked to keep an eye on their garden trees and bushes to ensure public footpaths are kept clear and unobstructed.

The Borough of Poole Disabled Design Group are appealing to residents to keep overhanging vegetation at bay to ensure pedestrians with limited or no vision are able to walk Poole's pavements without hazard.

Richard Moore, a member of the Borough of Poole's Disabled Design Group who is blind, said: "We have issued an annual reminder about pavement obstacles and overgrowing trees and hedges for a number of years now. Thanks to the consideration of Poole residents the situation has improved greatly for those of us with mobility difficulties as we make our way about town.

"However, it would be much appreciated if every householder just gave five minutes of their time to thinking about whether their plants cause an obstruction. Is the hedge or tree sticking out over the public footpath? Remember, a gate open on the pathway, a bin standing by the kerb, a car parked on the path and many other obstacles that sighted people can walk around, can be a major problem for someone with little or no sight or those using a wheelchair; making their free and independent mobility a daily struggle."

Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Economy said: "Householders may be liable if any vegetation from their property, which overhangs a public walkway, causes injury to a pedestrian. Residents need to be aware of the risks and make sure any footpaths around properties are clear of trees overhanging branches and shrubbery."

Teresa Brown, Traffic Assistant, Transportation Services, Borough of Poole, said "We are asking residents to check their gardens regularly and give any wayward shrubbery a trim so that everyone can walk safely along the pavement and avoid potentially dangerous accidents. Overhanging branches could easily cause a nasty facial injury to any unsuspecting person, especially if you are unable to see."

Residents are being asked to look out for other pavement hazards including advertising boards, illegally parked cars, bicycles lying on the ground and dog excrement which cause unacceptable problems for everyone, again especially for the visually impaired.

Teresa Brown, Transportation Services, Borough of Poole, 01202 262043