A PENSIONER has warned someone could be killed if a hedge overhanging a pavement along a busy road is not cut back.

David Gurney of Roger’s Hill, who regularly walks down Rainbow Hill into the centre of Worcester, has warned that a large hedge blocking the pavement near the junction with Westbury Street was forcing him and others to step into the road – one of the main routes through the city.

The 71-year-old – who has lived in Worcester all his life – said he was furious Worcester City Council had not taken action to cut back the hedge and stop people having to walk on the busy thoroughfare.

However, the council has now vowed to inspect the area and carry out any work needed. “It’s ridiculous,” he said. “Do we have to wait for someone to be killed before something is done?”

He said he was calling on the council to take action before it was too late.

“Surely they could at least put some bollards up?” he said. “I see council vans driving past it all the time and why they haven’t done anything I don’t know.”

Hedges and trees across the city are regularly trimmed, particularly during the summer months, with residents urged to report any growth they fear could be dangerous to traffic or pedestrians.

However, any trees or hedges on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner. A city council spokesman said on Friday the authority was not aware of the problem and officers would visit the site within a few days and take any action necessary to help pedestrians. She said: “If the hedge is on council property we’ll cut it down but if it’s on private property will write to the landowner and ask them to deal with it immediately.”

To report overgrown trees or hedgerows, contact the Worcestershire Hub on 0845 6072005 or visit worcester. gov.uk.