THE Environment Agency is tackling Japanese knotweed as part of the final flood defence works on Victoria Park.

Walkers had spotted areas of the park fenced off with warning signs of Japanese knotweed.

The clearance comes after flood defences along the Mersey were finished.

Mark Garratt, flood and coastal risk manager, said: “As part of our project to build flood defences that will reduce the risk of flooding to 2,000 homes and businesses in Warrington, we are providing a package of additional benefits for the community alongside the construction.

“This includes the planting of a new arboretum – a collection of fine specimen trees – and the removal of Japanese Knotweed to safeguard local habitats.”