A five-year feud between neighbours in Over Hulton, Greater Manchester, centres on a 10ft evergreen hedge that blocks one man's view of the Grade 2 listed Hulton Park. Phil Lamey, 45, has complained to Bolton Council that the hedge, planted by his neighbour Richard Grundy, 61, breaches anti-social behaviour legislation and has asked for it to be cut down to six feet.
Fence replaced by hedge after 2022 order
Lamey once enjoyed watching herds of deer and cattle roam across the parkland from his back garden. In 2022, he claims Grundy erected six six-foot-high wooden fence panels on a jetty built on a fishing pond he owns, deliberately obscuring the view. Lamey complained to the council, and Grundy was ordered to remove the illegal fencing and shed from his plot that year.
Grundy replaced the fence with an evergreen hedge two years ago, which has now grown to 10ft tall and again blocks the view. He has refused Lamey's request to reduce it, saying he planted it for privacy and wants it to grow to 15 feet tall.
Police called twice amid harassment claims
The dispute has seen police called twice. Lamey reported that Grundy was harassing his family in the same year the hedges were planted. Greater Manchester Police said they are aware of a report of harassment at the address. Lamey also claims to have a video in which Grundy tells him: "You won't have a f**king view."
Grundy claims Lamey twice vandalised the hedge, including allegedly poisoning 10 of the hedges last winter. He reported the incident to police as criminal damage but did not press charges. Lamey denies poisoning the hedges. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said they "previously investigated a report of criminal damage" at the address, adding: "No further action was taken following enquiries and discussion with the alleged suspect."
Council launches High Hedge Investigation
Last month, in September, Grundy received a letter from Robert Hickey, Tree and Woodland Manager at Bolton Council, notifying him of Lamey's complaint. The council will now determine if the hedge is causing Lamey problems due to its height and if any action should be taken to prevent the issues from "recurring".
Grundy said: "I was shocked to receive the letter. I just can't believe how long this ordeal has been going on for. I will stake my claim and hopefully get to keep them as I like." A Bolton Council spokesperson said: "We can't comment on the specifics on individual cases but can confirm this a new High Hedge Investigation."
