Residents blast council over 6ft knotweed threat

HOMEOWNERS living next to a park overrun by Japanese knotweed fear that the invasive plant is creeping towards their properties.

People living close to Brickfields Park in Worcester fear the fast-growing weed will knock thousands of pounds off the value of their houses. They say it is almost 6ft high in the park.

The weed is hard to remove, often requiring specialist help and can only be disposed of at licensed landfill sites or by burning – which may deter buyers.

It is also a legal requirement when selling a home to state whether Japanese knotweed is present.

Retired gardener Dennis Hodson, 73, pictured above, whose £200,000 bungalow backs on to the fields, said: ‘The knotweed has gone rampant in the park and it’s coming up in our gardens.

‘I’ve tried calling the council, but they haven’t done anything.

Worcester City Council said yesterday: ‘Our specially-trained staff will steminject the plants in the coming days.’