A frustrated pensioner is calling for a hedge to be cut back as she fears the branches “could have her eye out”.

Margaret Jones regularly walks past the greenery off Hunter Avenue, Willesborough, on her route to the bus stop and claims the issue has been getting worse over recent months.

The 80-year-old, who lives in Summer Leeze Gardens, believes the hedge is a “real safety issue".

It borders an alleyway next to a play park and Ms Jones thinks someone will be injured if council contractors don't cut it back.

“I am worried it could cut me when I am walking past it,” she said.

“There is a part of the bush that hangs down – it could take my eye out!

“There's a lamppost there but it is so overgrown it makes it incredibly difficult to see down the alleyway.

“If you are walking down there at night, how are you meant to see the thorns? It should never have got like this in the first place.”

The former cleaner says she has complained to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for three months, but received no response.

When contacted by KentOnline, an authority spokesman said the hedge does not belong to the council but confirmed it is aware of the situation.

“We thank the resident for bringing this issue to our attention,” they said.

"Members of our Aspire Landscape Management team are aware of the situation and will prioritise this hedge at the end of nesting bird season.

“We anticipate this being late August, early September.”

Last year, ABC spent £180,000 on the adjacent play area, adding a 25-metre zip wire and mini football goals.

It has also improved three other play parks in the town in recent months, upgrading Rylands Road and Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Kennington, and Central Park in Park Farm.