The Ministry of Public Works has warned homeowners to trim overhanging trees or risk losing trash collection.

A statement from the Ministry said: “The Waste Management section, in particular, is concerned that currently there are areas where overhanging trees are an impediment to safe driving of the garbage collection trucks and can result in damage to or breakage of truck windscreens and side mirrors, and injury to collections personnel.

“Collecting garbage in some neighbourhoods is becoming quite difficult as a result of overhanging trees and hedges. We have experienced damage to our trucks and we are appealing to the public to please trim back their trees and hedges.”

The statement said that when overhanging branches become an issue, the department will hand deliver a letter to each area residence requesting their co-operation.

“Areas that do not comply with written requests to trim back overhanging limbs and hedges will have their kerbside waste collection suspended until appropriate trimming has occurred,” the statement warned. “The public should also be aware that if such informal requests are not actioned, the Ministry has the power to serve a statutory nuisance abatement notice.”

Vegetation needs to be kept clear of a public road for a height not less than 4.9m (16ft 1in) above the surface of the carriageway or 3m (9ft 10in) above the surface of a pedestrian walkway or verge. Those who have received a letter requesting assistance with hedge and tree trimming should act within the two-week timeframe given or contact the Collections Department at 292-7454 if additional time is needed.