Spen MP Mike Wood is hopeful that measures to restrict the problems caused by high hedges will soon become law.

Two bills are progressing through the Houses of Parliament and Mr Wood has welcomed the Government's decision to support a Private Member's Bill recently presented to the Commons. The High Hedges Bill, introduced by MP Stephen Pound, seeks to introduce similar measures to a bill of the same name presented in the House of Lords by Baroness Gardner of Parkes.

Mr Wood said: "The fact that the Government recognises the need for such legislation and is getting behind Stephen Pound's bill is great news. Attempts to introduce high hedges legislation have been persistent but have never succeeded. Now, with Government backing, the chances of reaching the statute book is increased considerably.

"It is clear from the constituents who have raised this issue with me that there is a need for legislation particularly to offer a way of preventing disputes between neighbours spiralling out of control."

Stephen Pound's bill is due for Second Reading in March while Baroness Gardner's bill is due to go to Committee Stage early in the new year.