One ban went to mow - Public-spirited Graham cut short
The Sun
www.thesun.co.uk
12th May 2009
Public-spirited Graham Alexander has been ordered to stop cutting a grass verge outside his home after 43 years — by health and safety fanatics. The retired electrician, 64, has tended the communal patch since 1966, mowing, weeding and picking up litter. But the council says he encroaches on their land and is a danger to himself and neighbours, who could be hurt by the mower or flying debris.

No one has been injured but Graham was warned he risks “a costly compensation claim” if there is an accident. And despite saving Wiltshire Council thousands in gardening bills he has been told to leave the job to contractors or face PROSECUTION.

Graham, who lives in Harnham, Salisbury, with civil servant wife Lesley, 57, said: “It seems a bit petty after I’ve done it all those years. I’m doing the council a favour and other residents like it.”

The 40ft by 30ft verge merges with his own front garden — and Graham believes a neighbour reported him for “taking control” of it.

A council spokesman said: “We received complaints. “We would not want to see a neighbour or Mr Alexander injured. He could face a costly compensation claim.”