Landowners in the Scottish Borders are being urged to cut back trees and hedges which sit alongside the area's roads and footpaths.

The request was made following concerns with overhanging branches and hedges damaging vehicles, and the potential to obstruct pedestrians using pavements and footpaths in both the countryside and towns.

Under legislation, landowners have a responsibility to ensure foliage from their properties is not growing onto a road or obstructing road signs or lights.

An example of the damage which was caused to a First bus in 2016 from overhanging branches is available.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Infrastructure, Travel and Transport said: "There are a large number of people who own land alongside our roads and footpaths, and we would ask them to make sure any trees or hedges are trimmed back ahead of winter.

"While we would rather landowners carried out the works voluntarily, if the owner is not willing to take action, the Council does have the option of cutting back any obstructive hedges or trees and retrospectively charging the owner for the work.

"However, we want to work with landowners and ask they co-operate with our request to ensure all road users and pedestrians can travel safely.”

Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Community Development and Localities

"I know that we have had issues in previous years along the A72 road which has resulted in buses being damaged by overhanging trees.

"We would ask landowners to please play their part and carry out regular checks to ensure foliage does not obstruct carriageways, signs, lights or footpaths."