A PETERSFIELD landscape gardener stepped in and cut back brambles and a Hawthorn hedge alongside a main road for nothing after residents got no joy from the authorities.

Residents claimed the overhanging hedge and brambles narrowed the path, making it unsafe to use, and forcing pedestrians to step onto the busy road to avoid oncoming walkers, and snagging clothing and scratching children.

But they were told it wouldn’t be safe to deal with the hedge and brambles on The Petersfield School side of The Causeway unless the northbound lane was closed.

Resident Christine Kercher said: “My husband received a detailed e-mail from Hampshire County Council explaining that dealing with the problem properly would require a need to block the road with three-way traffic lights, to ensure the workers’ safety.”

The council also said it would be very costly to do anything about the 30 metres of overgrown hedge, and its Highways Maintenance budget wouldn’t stretch to that kind of expense.

In an appeal to get something done about the prickly overhang, Christine posted on The Petersfield Pulse Facebook page saying: “It’s secateurs at the ready folks, to keep small people, large people and clothing safe.”

After more than 10 years working for landscaping companies, Mickey Williams of Hays Cottages in Steep launched his own company, Hedge and Grass, 18-months-ago. On reading about Christine’s dilemma he immediately offered his services for free.

Mickey (32) said: “A lot of people responded to Christine’s post and were talking about trying to do something. I went and had a look, and couldn’t see what all the safety fuss was about.

“Maybe if the council was ripping the hedge out, the road would need to be closed, but I’ve trimmed it right back to the fence line with a hedge cutter, and all I needed was a warning sign, and few cones, and I stopped every time someone came along the pavement.

“It’s about helping each other out, and I was more than happy to spend a few hours doing it.”

And happy residents were quick to post their gratitude on the Facebook page.

Catherine Daley posted: “I saw Mickey at work. Massive grateful thanks.”

And Jane Elsey added: “Excellent work. Shows it can be done with no fuss.”