PEEL Ports will adhere to its 'environmental responsibility' by acting to tackle Japanese knotweed which is 'spreading like wildfire'.

The public have spotted the plant growing on the Mersey bank, along Chester Road, in recent weeks.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted his concerns and called for immediate action.

He said: "It has been spreading like wildfire on the Mersey bank.

"Also, from Brian Bevan Island down to Meadow Avenue the knotweed has taken over the verges and is now on the pavement.

"It needs eradicating before it gets into people's gardens."

It has been confirmed the spot of land affected is owned by Peel Ports.

A spokesman said: "Peel Ports takes its environmental responsibility seriously.

"Its contractors have surveyed the area and can confirm the presence of Japanese knotweed in an area adjacent to Chester Road up to the River Mersey.

"A proposed method of treatment has been scoped in line with the code of practice issued by the Environment Agency, who will be consulted prior to the appropriate action being taken to control and prevent its spread."

Warrington Borough Council has also been made aware of the situation.

A spokesman said: "Officers will contact the landowner and request that measures are taken to eradicate the knotweed next to the footpath.

"The area of footpath damaged by the weed will require herbicide treatment and reconstruction."

Japanese knotweed is among the 'most commonly found invasive, non-native plants', according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Residents or firms are not obliged to remove the plants or 'control them' on their land.

However, they could be prosecuted or given a community protection notice for 'causing a nuisance' if they allow it to grow on anyone else's property.

Anyone who has further questions about how to handle the plant, or wants to find out more about when a waste licence to dispose of waste is needed, should contact the Environment Agency on enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.