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Formal Complaint Regarding Overgrown Hedges and Obstruction of the Pavement – 77 and 79 Bayham Road, SM4 5JH

Reported via desktop in the Overhanging Vegetation From Private Land category anonymously at 21:21, Tuesday 8 September 2026

Sent to Merton Council less than a minute later. Council ref: SRQ-1296905-R0H4P1.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to make a formal complaint regarding the condition of the hedges and the management of refuse bins at the properties located at 77 and 79 Bayham Road, SM4 5JH.

For more than six months, the hedges at these properties appear not to have been properly maintained or trimmed. As a result, they are currently extending by approximately one metre over the pavement, significantly reducing the space available for pedestrians and obstructing the normal passage along the pavement.

This situation is particularly concerning from a pedestrian safety and accessibility perspective. Pedestrians are being forced to move closer to, or in some cases into, the carriageway in order to pass safely. This creates an unnecessary risk, particularly for elderly people, people with reduced mobility, parents with pushchairs and children, and other vulnerable pedestrians.

In addition, we have noticed that the refuse bins belonging to these properties are not being brought back in or properly removed from the public area after collection, and they are often left on the pavement for extended periods. This further contributes to the obstruction and has a negative impact on the appearance and accessibility of the street.

We fully appreciate that these are private residential properties. However, where vegetation from a private property significantly encroaches onto the public pavement and obstructs the safe passage of pedestrians, we believe that the matter requires the appropriate attention from the Council.

We therefore respectfully request that Merton Council inspect the situation at 77 and 79 Bayham Road and take any appropriate enforcement or remedial action necessary to ensure that the hedges are properly cut back and that the pavement is kept clear and safe for pedestrians.

We would also be grateful if the Council could review the situation concerning the refuse bins and determine whether any action is required in relation to their prolonged presence on the public pavement.

This issue has been ongoing for a considerable period of time, and we would sincerely appreciate the Council's assistance in resolving it. Our intention is not to cause any dispute with the residents of these properties, but simply to ensure that the pavement remains safe, accessible and suitable for everyone in the community.

If required, we would be happy to provide photographs or any additional information to assist the Council in assessing the situation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you and hope that appropriate action can be taken to resolve this issue as soon as reasonably possible.

Yours faithfully,

Updates

  • Thank you for reporting overhanging vegetation.

    If plants or trees on private land are blocking the street, we’ll ask the owner to cut them back. If they don’t do this within 28 days, we’ll write to them again giving them 14 days further notice and if action is still not taken we will arrange for the work to be done at the owner's expense.

    Did you know…?
    In 2024 we issued 469 notices to owners of property with vegetation overhanging the public highway.

    Posted by Merton Council at 21:21, Tuesday 8 September 2026

  • State changed to: In progress

    Updated by Merton Council at 21:24, Tuesday 8 September 2026

  • This defect has either already been reported and action taken or has been passed to the relevant service provider to investigate.

    State changed to: Closed

    Posted by Merton Council at 16:26, Tuesday 15 September 2026

This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.