WORRIED councillors are calling for action to tackle an invasion of Japanese Knotweed in Appleton.
Coun John Price told the monthly meeting of the parish council the weed – regarded as the most invasive weed in Europe and the United States – had spread in Firs Lane as far as Appleton Reservoir.
He said: “It is absolutely huge – something needs to be done about it as soon as possible as it is very difficult to eradicate once it is established.
“If we are not careful it will be spreading onto the golf course.”
Councillors agreed to ask Warrington Borough Council to take urgent action to clear the weed from the area.
Japanese Knotweed can grow more than a metre a month and can break through tarmac, concrete and drains. It can cover large tracts of land, wiping out native species.
It was brought to this country in the mid-nineteenth century as an ornamental garden plant but has become widespread on roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land where it causes serious problems by displacing native flora and causing structural damage. It is illegal to cause it to grow in the wild.
According to a recent estimate, it would cost more than £1.5 billion to control it across the UK.
Picture: This is what the “invader” looks like.
Action call on Japanese invader
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
4 Comments
£1,5 billion!!! What will the cost be if nothing is done????
The problem gets worse each year.
It’s about time that people woke up to this problem. However, I won’t hold my breath waiting for something to be done.
I spoke to WBC late last week on this matter.
They had problems with Japanese Knotweed over near Mill Lane Playing field (Stockton Heath)… not sure if they managed to get rid of it… but it’s definately a nasty and tough weed which needs controlling.
How do you successfully control a weed by the way… surely the minute it grows somewhere else the wind, little birdies or other wildlife will carry its spores anywhere !?!?
They had problems with Japanese Knotweed over near Mill Lane Playing field (Stockton Heath)… not sure if they managed to get rid of it… but it’s definately a nasty and tough weed which needs controlling.
How do you successfully control a weed by the way… surely the minute it grows somewhere else the wind, little birdies or other wildlife will carry its spores anywhere !?!?