MADAM, Legislation from the Government was created, and several precedents proved in courtrooms throughout the UK, confirmed that householders and residents of a property are entitled, by law, to the light and warmth of the sun without tall hedges, trees or buildings blocking access to these essential commodities.
However, at our District Councillor's request, due to the densely packed row of 50 foot plus leylandi trees and the ten feet plus weeds, smelly rubbish and dumped building material on what used to be a car park on the B4164 in Symonds Yat West, an 'expert' from Herefordshire Council's environmental department attended an unofficial meeting of three local residents. They were informed that, although tightly packed and in a row, leylandii trees were not a hedge but individual trees! Will our wonderful Jubilee Maze now be renamed the Jubilee Single Tree Maze? After all, they are the same trees. How many other houses have planted these fast growing trees to gain their privacy?
Admittedly, householders and businesses used hedgecutters to keep them to the lawfully required height of seven feet, but this eyesore hasn't been touched since 1987 – except of course for the addition of rusting, dangerous steel girder fence. Cars, vans, coaches etc complain of scratching paintwork and difficulty in parking.
Symonds Yat is a superb Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with fantastic pubs, hotels, entertainment and scenery – a honeypot for the tourist industry, yet certain areas now resemble the leftovers of a travelling community.
Why is it not possible for Herefordshire Council to commandeer this unused piece of land, cut down the trees, reestablish the car park or create a picnic area for the tourists who wish to visit the Doward and King Arthur's Caves? Let the ramblers and sightseers observe the magnificent views of the River Wye and the majestic hills beyond.
Mrs J Alexander, Symonds Yat.