A MAN who has campaigned for nearly two years for a parish council to sort out overgrown bushes says he is being ignored.

Neil Allington, of Abbey Meads, has complained to Haydon Wick Parish Council because he fears slippery leaves and overhanging will lead to somebody getting seriously hurt.

He has also raised his concerns with Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard – one of the ward councillors.

Construction manager Neil said: “Leaves have collected a metre wide with overhanging branches. They haven’t cut the vegetation down on Pond Street it will hinder people on the pathway.

"Nothing has been done, they have let it go to wrack and ruin. Lots of residents share a similar opinion. It could kill you if a cyclist bangs their head on a low branch.

“I have made it known to Vinay Manro (parish council vice-chairman) and David Renard, but both have failed to put in appropriate measures to lessen the risk of injury.”

The 59-year-old is worried about the state of Pond Street and Thamesdown Drive.

But Neil says the parish council wrote to him on October 25 telling him he was being ex-communicated for being "habitual and vexatious".

“I’ve always sent evidence with pictures so they can find it but they will not communicate with me anymore,” he said.

“It is a breach of my basic right for a voice. Why are we paying our council tax? It’s taken two years to get them to do what they’re being paid for. It’s atrocious as it’s poor maintenance exposing the public to hazard.”

The parish council says it understands Neil’s frustration but hasn't received any other complaints.

A parish council spokesperson said: “We carry out regular maintenance of open spaces, play parks, hedges and trees. This includes regular inspections.

The parish always welcome residents reporting any issues and will inspect and carry out remedial action if required. Any works are always scheduled on a priority basis. It is almost impossible to keep everyone happy at the same time due to the prioritisation of works.

“If residents make unreasonable demands, persistently change the subject of the complaint, add new complaints, are unwilling to accept an answer, or expect solutions not in proportion to the problem, then in line with policy contact may be discontinued.

“The parish is always reviewing its service delivery to ensure it is efficient without a big impact on parish precept. Change and improvements over the last two years have seen a reduction in complaints and an increase in positive feedback.

"There is still work to do to ensure Haydon Wick is a place residents are proud to call home.”

Neil has set up an action group for people who share his concerns. Email haydonwickactiongroup@gmail.com