A TALL hedge and fence at Derwent Drive, Kendal, were dug out and replaced for safety reasons, according to retrospective plans.

Kerry Thompson told South Lakeland District Council that she and her partner decided to remove the 10-plus feet tall hedge at their home after an accident involving a car and a cyclist.

In her planning application, she stated: "Following an accident whereby a car pulled out of the junction on the left from Derwent Drive onto Buttermere Road (just after the hedge) and a cyclist went through his car windscreen, myself and my partner made the decision that the hedge should be removed."

The hedge and old fence were replaced with a new fence, and Ms Thompson told planners that she and her partner were under the impression that planning permission was not needed for the work. She said it was done "purely for safety reasons" and that visibility from the junction had improved greatly.

Plans are before SLDC.