Council land - my responsibility?

andybirch

I've just received a letter from my local council informing me that they can no longer be bothered to maintain the strip of land that runs alongside my property and that it is my responsibility to keep the "overgrowth trimmed back". The land in question is next to a cycle/walk way that runs through the estate where I live.

Currently the strip of land is approx 2m wide and is covered with brambles and nettles. I feel this is a useful security measure. Currently no trees overhang the path by my property but do further up the lane. Others have received these letters as there was evidence of works having been done.

My question is: Am I responsible for the upkeep of land that isn't mine, to prune trees that don't belong to me and to pay any bills for work that the council say is my responsibility.

Your advice would be gratefully received.

skylight

I think that this is a case for the citizens advice.

BUT - Instant reaction would be to write a letter back saying thanks for the opportunity of work and include a full quote for the work to be completed per annum. Ask for them to write back to confirm their acceptance.

Poppy9

Are they trying to say that any bushes, brambles, trees etc which have roots on your land but overhang the path are your responsibility in the same way that you are responsible for keeping any front hedges clipped back to your boundary from the pavement?

If the trees, bushes etc originate on Council land then they are responsible.

andybirch

Thanks for everyone's help.

The letter states:-

"I am aware that in the past XXXXXXXX Borough Council have assisted in keeping the overgrowth trimmed back, but they have now advised that they are no longer willing to do this work as a review indicated that it was the responsibility of the Owner/Occupier"

I'm lucky in one respect that I've no trees as such on my stretch of path. I've only an hawthorn hedge which is at least 2 metres away from the path. My concern is that I am going to be responsible for ensuring that all of the nettles and brambles on that 2m strip do not encroach onto the path or that the Council will do the work they see fit and I will have to pay the bill.

The guy from the council is going to ring me tomorrow to discuss it. I've already asked for a copy of the review. I will keep you informed.

seaniboy

if the council does not own the land maybe the builders/construction company that built your house do, in my case the constuction company was liquidated years ago and the grounds on our estate fell to the Crown to keep the upkeep, so Lizzie had to pay, and your council should know how to lodge a claim with the Crown if they can prove they dont own it and subsquently who does

boogiemaster

If the council wants you to look after land you don’t own? Then agree to look after it on the condition that they include it on your deeds?
That’s way you get some more land for free, the council don’t want to maintain it anymore and will give you the land if asked.