Drastic action by Dudley Council workers to cut back a hedge sparked anger in Hawbush with a councillor demanding answers.

The fully developed hedge, between Blackthorn Road and Swanfield Road, was reduced to almost nothing by council workers on June 19. The work took residents by surprise and left one local councillor fuming and calling for an explanation.

Cllr Matt Cook, who represents Brierley Hill and Wordsley South, said: “The brutal cutting back of these bushes is completely unacceptable. What should have been routine maintenance has instead stripped the area of greenery and left residents rightly angry.

“I have demanded answers from the council about how this was signed off and what standards are in place to prevent this kind of careless work. Our green spaces deserve better and so do the people who live here, this must not happen again.”

Councillor Damian Corfield, Dudley cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The hedge has been significantly reduced in size following concerns from a local resident, who has sustained damage to their fencing due to the growth.

“Upon inspection, we agreed with the concerns raised and took the decision to carry out a major reduction of the hedge.

“This was due to the approach to the hedge being located on sloping ground, making it very difficult to safely trim from the top, which is usually our preferred approach.

“Given the routine nature of this work, which did not block access to property or highway, we would not have given prior notice.”

The punitive pruning has however caused a backlash on social media including criticism from a former Dudley Council leader and mayor Anne Millward.

Posting on Facebook, Mrs Millward said: “That is a disgrace! Many birds are on their second brood. What environmental assessments were done?”

Kerry Pinches added: “Surely it should have been pruned properly over the years then it wouldn’t look so ridiculous for a cut.”