PEOPLE concerned about high hedges in the Malvern Hills face being slapped with a £250 increase in the cost of having their complaint dealt with.

The measures to provide powers to deal with complaints relating to high hedges came into force in June last year under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003.

Malvern Hills District Coun-cil's executive committee set out a £50 fee for the authority to consider and determine high hedge applications, which it was agreed would be reviewed after six months of operation.

The council has since received 48 requests for information packs and application forms from residents, with 12 having been sent back. Of those inquiries assessed, two have been resolved and two have been advised the hedge complained about did not adversely affect the enjoyment of their property.

Two remedial notices are due to be served on hedge owners where an adverse impact has been confirmed and the remaining six cases are part-way through being determined.

However, as each case has involved a minimum of four officer visits to the properties, the council says it is proving costly, with the current fee taking up about two hours work.

The authority says the proposed £300 fee more realistically reflects its costs.

Council officers are proposing that the fee for those in receipt of means-tested benefits is set at a reduced rate of £150.

These figures compare with the normal fee for other authorities in Worcestershire - Worcester City (£300), Wyre Forest (£300) and Wychavon (£320).

The matter is due to be discussed at a meeting of the council's executive committee today at 5pm.

The meeting is due to be held in Priory Lodge Hall in Avenue Road.