LOCALS in Malvern have been left fuming after a large section of hedgerow was cut back at Waitrose.
Contractors reportedly started removing vegetation that borders the supermarket’s car park near the steps up to Worcester Road on Wednesday (April 8), despite frantic pleas for them to stop.
By Friday morning (April 10), trees and shrubs around the steps had been completely cut away.
Barriers and tape had been put in place along the edge of the car park, with signs stating: “Thank you for your patience whilst we carry out essential maintenance.”
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Sue Lamberton, who visited the supermarket on Wednesday, said she had made a number of attempts to halt the work
“They’re just ripping it out,” said local Sue Lamberton. “I’m incandescent with rage.”
She said she was especially worried about the impact that removing trees and shrubbery could have on nesting wildlife.
“There could be bird’s eggs and fledglings in there,” Ms Lamberton said.
“I think it’s outrageous and clearly unnecessary.”
It’s understood that the removal was reported by several people as the work may have not been compliant with hedgerow management rules.
According to the UK Government website, any hedgerow that is covered by the rules must not be cut or trimmed from March 1 to August 31.
There are some exemptions to the rules, including hedgerows which obstruct rights of way, or if it is dead, diseased, damaged or insecurely rooted and it risk of falling onto a right of way.
It is unclear if any of these exemptions apply to the shrubbery at Waitrose.
“I’m normally a great Waitrose fan but this has to be stopped,” said shopper Martin Harris.
“We have so much nature here in Malvern and they are destroying it. It’s unbelievable.
“It’s put me off Waitrose. It’s an absolute disgrace.”
When approached by the Gazette, John Lewis Partnership (JLP), which owns the supermarket chain, did not confirm if it had sought permission for the work, which it said was part of a “maintenance check” on the wall.
It claimed it had used “specialist contractors” to avoid disturbing wildlife.
A spokesperson for JLP said: “Protecting local wildlife was paramount when cutting back some of the vegetation for a maintenance check of the wall; specialist contractors were appointed to ensure that wildlife, including nests, would not be disturbed.”
