McMillan Welcomes Progress on High Hedges Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Community Safety that the Scottish Government is working on bringing forward a piece of legislation, with the target of introducing this to the Scottish Parliament after the May 2011 elections, to deal with high hedge and other nuisance vegetation disputes.

The Scottish Government is working on a cross party approach which it hopes will allow it to bring forward legislation to tackle this anti-social behaviour issue.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement from the Minister for Community Safety that the Scottish Government is working on a cross party approach to tackle high hedge disputes.

"I know, through speaking to constituents, that high hedge and other nuisance vegetation disputes can cause a lot of stress and worry for people. Some constituent have indicated to me they feel there is little assistance available to deal with the problem.

"Therefore, It's important that action is taken to tackle high hedge issues and highlight to constituents that assistance is available to deal with disputes and find a solution."

McMillan Welcomes Government Commitment to Tackle High Hedge Disputes

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the continued commitment by the Scottish Government to tackle high hedge and nuisance vegetation disputes. The response came to Mr McMillan from the Minister for Community Safety in a question raised in the Scottish Parliament chamber (Thursday 25th February).

The consultation on High Hedges and other nuisance vegetation closed on Friday 13 November 2009 with over 600 responses. Mr McMillan was one of those to respond to the consultation on behalf of a number of constituents who raised the matter with him.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the Scottish Government's commitment to address the issue of high hedge and nuisance vegetation disputes throughout Scotland.

"I know, from dealing with constituent correspondence, that this is a major issue which is affecting people's lives and one where action can and must be taken.

"Therefore, I made representations to the consultation, undertaken by the Scottish Government, and I hope they will take onboard the concerns of all those people who responded and bring forward measures to address this issue of anti-social behaviour."

McMillan Responds to High Hedges Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) responded to the Scottish Government consultation which sought the views of constituents throughout Scotland on how neighbourly disputes over high hedges can be resolved more effectively.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to be able to make a submission to the High Hedges consultation as I have been contacted by a number of constituents who have raised serious concerns about the current practice when it comes to dealing with neighbourly disputes over high hedges.

"I feel this is a very important consultation as the current methods and practices for dealing with high hedge disputes are somewhat limited.

"I believe the suggestion that the Scottish Government undertake research into the effectiveness of mediation, to look at how the process could be strengthened is a positive step.

"Let's hope the Scottish Government take onboard the concerns of constituents on this important matter. Therefore, strengthening and supplementing current practices to deal with
high hedge disputes is vital."

McMillan Welcomes High Hedges Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that it is to seek the views of constituents throughout Scotland on how neighbourly disputes over high hedges can be resolved more effectively.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear that the Scottish Government is seeking the views of constituents throughout Scotland on the issue of High Hedge disputes.

"I know from constituent correspondence my office has received that High Hedge disputes can cause a lot of anguish and concern for those involved.

"It's important that constituents who have been involved in such disputes with neighbours make their feelings known and respond to the Scottish Government's consultation.

"I look forward to hearing the outcome of this consultation and hope it will lead to legislation being brought forward to deal with High Hedge disputes."