Pat Lennie, a pensioner from Clydebank, has expressed terror that someone could 'jump out at her' from a massive hedge that has grown unchecked for years. She fears for her safety as the bush, which overlooks a footpath connecting the square to the main road, has grown to more than double its original height, allowing people to 'lurk behind' it.
Resident's Plea to Council
Pat Lennie, an OAP from Clydebank, said she has been 'fighting for years' to get West Dunbartonshire Council to address the issue. 'When you're walking here, you don't know who's going to jump out at you, there's no lighting,' she stated. 'You used to be able to see over it. Now you don't know who's lurking around the corner, so it's a security thing as well.'
Neglected Shared Space
The hedge is part of a shared space dubbed 'the forgotten square' by residents, which has not been maintained in two years, according to Pat. Previously, the local authority's Greenspace team was responsible for upkeep. 'They are supposed to come once a year and clear it, but then Covid hit and they didn't come back,' she explained. 'They came out the year before last, but nothing since. They said it was going to be done in July this year, but they said that last year. We're not looking for a Chelsea Flower Show, just keep it tidy.'
Overgrown Gardens and Tenancy Issues
The council-owned housing area also suffers from overgrown gardens that are encroaching on others' land. Individual tenants are responsible for maintaining these gardens, as per their tenancy agreements. Pat claims multiple complaints have been lodged with the council about unmaintained gardens, but the local authority has yet to confirm this. 'I've phoned and phoned the council for years,' she said. 'It's such an eyesore, at one point I couldn't even get to my bins. I feel like I'm getting fobbed off all the time, but I'm not asking much, just tidy it up. I'm embarrassed when people come around and see the state of it.'
Elderly Residents Unable to Maintain
Pat explained that the overgrown areas are not on her own land, so she cannot cut them back. The street is filled with elderly residents, including herself, who are not up to the task. 'We shouldn't have to maintain a garden that isn't even ours, the council need to sort it out,' she added.
Council Response
A representative from West Dunbartonshire Council stated: 'The Council cannot reduce the hedge until the bird nesting season is finished around September.'
