Health hazards

Press, 22 May 1978, Page 16

Health hazards

Sir, — Recently the residents of Spreydon were requested, by the City Council health department, to cut back to the fence line, within 14 days from date of notice, any part of a plant, shrub or tree that was overhanging the footpath below a height of seven feet, thereby creating a health hazard. It is of particular public interest to know that the grass verge between the pavement and fence line is officially part of the “footpath,” and therefore the responsibility of the council. Will the council please answer these questions. — (1) What action will be taken against non-compliers? (2) Will the council accept its responsibility and keep the grass verges clean and cut more frequently or remove grass and seal if requested? (3) What steps will be taken to remove the extreme health hazard created by berries and leaves, fallen from trees overhanging above seven feet, strewn across the footpath? — Yours, etc., J. FLOWERS. May 14, 1978. [The Chief City Health Inspector, Mr A. P. Millthorpe replies: “Recently a few residents in the Spreydon area have been requested to trim back trees or shrubs which have grown over the footpath causing an ob 3 struction. The council’s bylaw is written to preserve the convenience and safety of pedestrians lawfully using the footpath and most people willingly comply with the requirement. In answer to the specific questions; (1) The council has the authority to take legal proceedings for breaches of this by-law or to act in default and charge the occupier of the land for the costs incurred. (2) The City Engineer advises that grass berms not cut by residents are cut two or three times a year by council staff. Removal, of berms is undertaken "only when a majority of adjoining properties have already been so treated. A charge is made for removal of berms

but resowing or topdressing is done without charge. (3) Any condition considered to be a nuisance under the Health Act, 1956, should be reported in detail to the City Health Department at 216 Manchester Street.”]