Work to cut back overgrown hedge gets underway

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 9 February 2010)

An overgrown hedge alongside Engine Lonning, Carlisle is being cut back this week, following concerns raised by local residents.

Carlisle City Council has contracted specialist horticultural experts to cut back and hedge lay the vegetation, where it is possible to do so. Although the City Council does not own, or have the responsibility to maintain the hedge, it has arranged for the vegetation to be cut back and hedge laying to be done, as a one-off good will gesture. The work has been funded by the City Council and the Castle Ward Neighbourhood Forum.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:

“After requests from members of the public who felt intimidated by the overgrowing vegetation, and who had regularly complained about the state of the path to City Council members, and after consultation with local residents, it was decided to cut back the overgrown hedge alongside Engine Lonning.

“The hedge is being ‘laid’ in the traditional Cumberland style which is still practised by local farmers. Due to the time since it was last cut, the effect is to open up the hedgebank considerably. The stems will re-grow within a couple of years to form a neat hedgerow which should be easier to manage.

“Once it has re-grown the hedge will become a haven for wildlife of all kinds.”

Flyers have been put through the doors of everyone who will be affected by the work.

The cut back initially may look quite harsh however this is an inevitable consequence of hedge laying. It will take a couple of years for the new growth to establish but in the long run will look a lot better, and will be easier to manage. We will also be planting up any gaps next year which are created.

The work started yesterday (Monday, 8 February) and is likely to be completed by the end of this week.