Rail chiefs’ vow over problem knotweed
RAIL BOSSES have promised to tackle any Japanese knotweed along railway embankments in the Armley area of Leeds after a homeowner claimed the invasive species scuppered the sale of his property.
Network Rail said it had inspected the alleged problem site behind Conference Road but found little evidence of the plant, though the area will be revisited in the new year when any knotweed will be more visible. The species dies back in the winter.
Landowners are obliged to manage the weed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to prevent encroachment and damage on neighbouring land.
Homeowner Thomas Kidd said he had a sale lined up for the house which he lets out in Conference Road but the discovery of the weed on adjoining land meant the offer was withdrawn.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We take our obligation to treat Japanese knotweed very seriously.
“A team from Network Rail has been out to visit the railway behind Conference Road but found limited evidence of knotweed.
“We will revisit the area again in the first half of next year to carry out a further inspection when we expect any knotweed would be more visible. If there is evidence of growth we will add the area to our regular treatment programme.”
Network Rail said its assurances are regularly accepted by mortgage lenders as confirmation that the weed will be treated.