RESIDENTS of a Rosyth street have won a prickly battle to save a 60-year-old hedge.

The greenery in Kings Road had been facing the chop because recycling lorries were having problems getting along the street to empty bins.

After Fife Council admitted last February that losing the hedges was one of the options being looked at because their presence – along with parked vehicles on the other side of the road – was meaning recycling teams were struggling to access streets.

Local residents set up a working group in a bid to look at solutions and were delighted to hear that collection routes are to be redesigned which will allow smaller vehicles to be used.

Councillor Sharon Green-Wilson, who is a resident of Kings Road, said: "I was outraged when I first heard the council planned to do away with our hedge. This valuable greenery screens our houses from noise and pollution and is a home for many birds.

"I am delighted that council officers have seen sense and thank everyone involved, especially my predecessor, Sam Steele, who did a power of work to help resolve this issue.”

Local MSP Annabelle Ewing had also stepped in to help find a resolution.

She added: “I am delighted that a solution has been found. I have supported residents throughout this campaign and extend my thanks to everyone for their hard work and for the community spirit shown.”

Fife Council service manager Sandy Anderson confirmed they were redesigning some routes and schedules so they could service Kings Road with a smaller vehicle.

“The hedge on Kings Road will still need to be maintained to allow vehicles to pass but there’s no need to reduce the height of the hedge," he said. “Kings Road residents can also help by parking considerately.”