Can I go straight to the Council about our hedge problem?
No. Involving the Council should be a last resort, you should first try and resolve the problem with your neighbour.
The Council will expect evidence of a recent attempt to settle the dispute before it will accept your complaint. If you rely on an approach you made more than, say 4 months ago, we will expect you to try again. It won't be enough to say your neighbour is not approachable.
You should keep a record of what action you have taken to resolve the problem, e.g. copies of letters or a diary of verbal and written requests.