HEDGES "decimated" by workers are an "eyesore", claim residents, unhappy with the results.

The work to trim the bushes along Lymington Road in Highcliffe took place last week, but have been criticised due to the state they were left in by workers hired by Dorset County Council.

The 'damage' is on the main route through Highcliffe, where traffic is diverting as a result of major gas works on the A338.

Resident John Seymour-Lansley described the work as "an act of vandalism."

"We are utterly appalled, as we expect others are by the decimation to the hedgerow and trees along the Lymington Road out of the town by the Highcliffe Golf Club.

"It is an act of vandalism by the contractors under the control of the Dorset County Council.

"It is an eyesore and the work a very poor reflection on the company who carried it out.

"It needs an experienced person to tidy up after the damage."

Borough ward councillor David Jones said: "I am disappointed with the results.

"However, I am pleased that the county council accept this is a problem and ensures that it will be rectified as swiftly as possible.

"I will be contracting the council to ensure that if there is any, appropriate compensation will be paid."

A spokesperson for Dorset County Council said: "The hedges have been cut back by a contractor to improve sight line visibility and to give access to the highways team investigate drainage issues.

"Unfortunately the vegetation had not been cut for awhile, which means that the results look very harsh.

"We are are sending a team in to tidy up the stragglers and remove any debris in the highway."