Branches lead to threat of violence

A South Dubbo resident told the Daily Liberal she had complained to Housing NSW "at least five times in the past two months" because she was concerned the shrub blocked visibility and her neighbour had threatened to physically harm her if she cut it.

The woman, who provided her details but did not wish to be identified, said the shrub was across a walkway and posed a danger for anyone who was walking past when vehicles reversed out of her driveway.

"I'm so frightened that if somebody drives out of my driveway they won't see a pedestrian, especially a little child who might be killed," she said.

Relations between her and the neighbour, who was also a public housing tenant, were already strained, the woman said.

"The last time I did cut the bush on my side she came out and abused me, she said if I did it again she would knock the glasses clean off my face," the woman said.

"At one point a man from Housing NSW told me to go ahead and cut the bush on my side. But no way was I going to do that. The neighbour's already threatened to smash me in the face with a brick if I touch it. But I'm sick of living in fear."

The Department of Family and Community Services (FACS), of which Housing NSW was a part, said it was aware of the woman's concerns regarding the overhanging bush. A spokesperson said a handyman had been sent to the property last week to prune overhanging branches and the work was completed on Monday, the same day the woman reported the incident to the Daily Liberal.

"Local staff have been working with the tenants to resolve any disputes with a referral to the Community Justice Centre," she said.

"FACS encourages tenants to report repairs and/or antisocial behaviour by calling the Housing Contact Centre or police."