QUARRELLING neighbours could face fines of £1,000 from today when Chiltern District Council assumes new powers to resolve high hedge disputes.

As a last resort, from June 1, warring neighbours can ask Chiltern District Council to decide whether overgrown hedges are detracting from their neighbour's enjoyment of their garden or home.

Hedge disputes will fall under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and for a £400 fee residents can ask the council to intervene.

The legislation empowers councils to issue hedge owners with formal notices describing precisely the action to be taken. Failure to comply with such notices could result in a maximum fine of £1,000.

Cllr Philip Priestley, community safety portfolio holder, welcomed the council's mediation role.

He said: "These new powers are good news for any parties currently involved in lengthy and time-consuming disputes over garden hedges, especially those grown from leylandii. The district council's involvement, when all other mediation methods have failed, means a solution can be reached which is best for all concerned and allows decisive action to be taken."

He added: "However, we actually expect the majority of cases to be settled amicably without the need for our intervention."

More information for residents on the council's mediation role is available from Chiltern District Council's customer services team on 01494 729000 or at www.chiltern.gov.uk