The recent story about the Burscough pensioner spotted trimming a hawthorn hedge on High Lane ruffled a few feathers (rightly so as its transpires) with some local councillors.

Said one: "I have read your comment on councillors, made without any evidence, or taking the time to ask the local councillor before ill-informed comment.

"Many hedges are not cut back far enough the previous season resulting in the situation you describe.

"I think it is the end of July before they can be cut back due to environmental legislation. (OWL) Cllr Thompson was on this case and has logged it correctly with LCC who will take action once the bird nesting season is complete."

And from OWL's Jane Thompson: "Good evening Roger, please be aware that I have reported the overgrown hedges on High Lane.

"It's bird nesting season and it's the responsibility of LCC and the County Councillor. You make claims that local Councillors do nothing, which is unfair, we are reporting to the County.

Kindest regards,

Councillor Jane Thompson,
Our West Lancashire"

Of course I'm more than happy to set the record straight; watch this space for a local resident who'll be walking Parrs Lane, Aughton soon with the new Labour borough councillor who's happy to help even though the pensioner is not in his 'constituency'.

Rob Molloy will be shown first hand the man's concerns not only about the state of the hedges but state of the potholed road, too...

Originally Posted by rogerblaxall

The recent story about the Burscough pensioner spotted trimming a hawthorn hedge on High Lane ruffled a few feathers (rightly so as its transpires) with some local councillors.Said one: "I have read your comment on councillors, made without any evidence, or taking the time to ask the local councillor before ill-informed comment."Many hedges are not cut back far enough the previous season resulting in the situation you describe. "I think it is the end of July before they can be cut back due to environmental legislation. (OWL) Cllr Thompson was on this case and has logged it correctly with LCC who will take action once the bird nesting season is complete."And from OWL's Jane Thompson: "Good evening Roger, please be aware that I have reported the overgrown hedges on High Lane. "It's bird nesting season and it's the responsibility of LCC and the County Councillor. You make claims that local Councillors do nothing, which is unfair, we are reporting to the County.Kindest regards,Councillor Jane Thompson,Our West Lancashire"Of course I'm more than happy to set the record straight; watch this space for a local resident who'll be walking Parrs Lane, Aughton soon with the new Labour borough councillor who's happy to help even though the pensioner is not in his 'constituency'.Rob Molloy will be shown first hand the man's concerns not only about the state of the hedges but state of the potholed road, too...

Perhaps after reading the above, 'Deep Throat' will finally accept now that the overgrown hedges blocking the pavements in Parrs Lane lies under the jurisdiction of LCC to enforce and not the Borough Council...

It all depends on what you ask and who you ask. WLBC, on being asked why it was so dangerous walking on the only pavement on Parrs Lane and why it was so filthy, replied "Our mechanical cleaners can't operate there with so much overhang of hedges". The LCC on being asked replied "It's up to WLBC to clean its pavements". No mention of responsibility for overhang. And apparently, neither council holds statistics on enforcement.

Clearly Deep Throat needs more determination in obtaining safe conditions for pedestrians there, or an elected person who will represent the situation for residents.