TWO labourers found themselves in court for leaving hedge-clippings in the road, the Gazette reported 100 years ago.

Two policemen reported that on separate occasions, they had their bicycle tyres punctured by the cuttings scattered in Hopton Lane, Leigh.

When Sgt Johnson spoke to William and George Jauncey about it, they just laughed at him and said he should get a broom and sweep the mess up himself.

But Malvern magistrates also heard from two witnesses who said the men had swept up the clippings, and the case was dismissed because of a conflict of evidence.

At the same hearing, labourer Edward Beard was fined 2s 6d for obstructing the highway; he had left a horse and cart outside the Cavalry Arms for 22 minutes.

West Malvern farmer Thomas Farrell was fined 12s for moving pigs without a licence.

Henry Howell, of Belmont, was fined 2s 6d for throwing firecrackers at people's doors.