16/06/2026
We recently stepped in to help a local homeowner who received a Section 154 Notice from the council. A failed hawthorn tree had come down, completely blocking the public footpath outside their property.When the council serves a notice, you usually only have 14 days to clear the obstruction before they do it themselves and send you a hefty bill! ⏱️
(Under Section 154(1) of the Highways Act 1980, landowners and occupiers of land are required to cut back vegetation on trees, shrubs, or hedges that overhang the access network so that they do not endanger the passage of vehicles, pedestrians or horse riders. This applies to roads, footpaths but also to paths within areas to which the public has access to.)
