COLCHESTER’S High Steward has praised the power of the press after a pavement was cleared hours after he called for action.

Sir Bob Russell pointed the finger at Essex County Council after he said the overgrown bush, in West Stockwell Street, Colchester was a “safety hazard and an eyesore”.

Sir Bob had accused the authority of double standards for letting the vegetation grow on its land despite its power to fine landowners who allow trees of bushes to impede pavements.

The bush was cut back just hours after an appeal appeared in the Gazette.

“I am grateful to the Gazette,” said Sir Bob.

“This situation would never have arisen when Colchester Council was responsible for highways.”

Sir Bob called on the county council to remove a salt grit box from the historic area.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of the county council, said the bin was there to provide residents with quick and easy access to salt.