A TROWBRIDGE pensioner has praised the Wiltshire Times for being instrumental in getting an overgrown shrub which he felt was putting pedestrians and motorists at risk cut down.

William West, of College Road, said he first contacted Wiltshire Council around two months ago about cutting back a large shrub at the junction between Dursley Road and County Way. Parts of the foliage had grown to over five feet high.

The 87-year-old, who travels into the town centre several times a week on his mobility scooter to see friends, said that in the last couple of weeks cars had twice come up from Dursley Road and nearly hit him, because the drivers could not see clearly.

After the Wiltshire Times contacted Wiltshire Council about this issue, the shrub was significantly cut back the next day, delighting Mr West.

“I want to thank the paper for getting this sorted - this highlights the power of the press,” he said.

“I think they could have cut it back a few more inches to be honest but I am glad that it has finally been dealt with.

“This bush made my life more difficult when I was heading into town, so it is good that it has been resolved for now.

“I was very worried about children going across the crossing and being hit by a car. It was an accident spot waiting to happen.”

Mr West also criticised Wiltshire Council for the lengthy delay.

“I definitely contacted them about two months ago because I spoke to someone on the phone,” he said.

“I rang them up and I was told to send something on an email but I don’t have a computer. How can I send an email?

“I specifically remember the person I spoke to saying that they would fix it for me but I guess nothing happened.

“This just shows the power of the press.

“I still cannot understand who designed this bit of road, it makes no sense.”

Wiltshire Council said they dealt with the matter as soon as the Wiltshire Times raised the issue with them but had no record of Mr West’s complaint.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We thank Mr West for bringing this matter to our attention.

“Our team removed the obstruction within an hour of reporting it to us.”