John and Brenda Smith used to have one of the best panoramic views of Bristol from the living room of their Stockwood home.

But now they say their view is ruined because of overgrown bushes and brambles.

The couple, who live in Sidelands Close, have complained to the council several times during the past few years.

But they say their complaints have fallen on deaf ears and the undergrowth remains.

Mrs Smith, 79, who used to work in an old people's home, said: "We've complained time and again but nothing gets done. Whenever we complain, it's always the wrong time of the year.

"In the spring, they tell us the birds are nesting or they have run out of money because it's the end of the financial year; in the summer they tell us they are cutting the grass and can't spare the men; and in the autumn, they say the weather is too bad."

The couple have lived in their home since 1978 when they had clear views across Bristol and horses grazed in fields near their back garden.

Mr Smith, 81, a retired linesman with an electricity company, said: "We get a lot of ramblers around here but they are restricted where they can walk because the paths are covered."

After one of their complaints, the undergrowth was judged to be a fire hazard and a fire trench was dug to stop fire spreading. But they say the undergrowth has now covered the trench and puts their home at risk.

Mrs Smith said some the open space next to The Coots estate had been cleared and he could not understand why the same work cannot be carried out near their home. The couple's next- door neighbour agrees.

Jeanette Naish, 47, a housewife, said: "I don't see why they can't get these people who do community service to clear the area."

A Bristol City Council spokesman said they would investigate the complaint.