Along the wooden fens of St Mary’s Church on Church Road TW74PR

I write to raise a formal complaint regarding overhanging trees, shrubs and a defective wooden fence adjoining St Mary’s Church, all of which are encroaching onto the public footway. The overgrown vegetation is obstructing pedestrian access and forcing members of the public, including schoolchildren and their parents during busy drop-off and collection periods for Isleworth and Syon School for Boys, into the carriageway. I am informed that some children have already sustained minor head injuries from low-hanging branches. This presents a clear danger to public safety and may amount to a public nuisance. Under section 154 of the Highways Act 1980, vegetation obstructing or endangering pedestrians may be required to be cut back by formal notice, with enforcement action available in default. In addition, the Church’s wooden fence is broken and leaning towards the pavement, creating a further hazard. Where a structure is dangerous, the local authority may require works to make it safe under sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984, including taking emergency action where necessary. I therefore request that immediate action be taken to cut back the vegetation and make the fence safe without delay. Please confirm in writing what action will be taken and by when.