A WARRINGTON family say it is ‘heartbreaking’ that nothing is being done to resolve a dangerous plant problem near their home.

The Orford residents say the current crop of giant hogweed behind their Windermere Avenue home is the worst they have ever seen.

An invasive species which has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most dangerous plant’, giant hogweed sap can cause nasty burns if it comes into contact with skin.

The family say they have contacted the council about it, but the local authority says it cannot do anything as it is growing on private land.

“This season is the worst it has ever been – the plants are the tallest I’ve seen them at around 10ft, and they spread the length of around 10 houses. I can literally touch it at my fence,” they said.

“Action needs to be taken, and the owners of the land exposed and held to account. The council have been called for years and still nothing has been done.

“From what I can gather it is private land, but the council have said they have tried contact the owners to resolve the situation.

“It used to come right into my garden until I paid thousands of pounds for it to be flagged over. When it comes over the fence, we have to wear gloves and long sleeves to remove it.

“My dog has been poorly from the spores. It is heartbreaking as we love living here.

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Giant hogweed growing to the rear of homes on Windermere Avenue in Orford

Giant hogweed growing to the rear of homes on Windermere Avenue in Orford

“Chemicals have been sprayed onto the plant in my garden, which you leave for three weeks then pull out, leaving the kids or the dog unable to use the garden, but it is out of control at the back.”

When approached for a comment regarding the giant hogweed, Warrington Borough Council said it is growing on private land and would need to be treated by the owner.

Satnam, which is believed to be the owner of the land, did not respond when it too was approached for a comment by the Warrington Guardian.

When previously asked about the presence of giant hogweed in Warrington, the council said: “It is the landowner's responsibility to control these plants.

“But please make sure to read about how best to control them through sources such as the Royal Horticultural Society, as they can cause skin irritation if you come into contact with them.

“If giant hogweed is identified on private land, for example a neighbouring property, a construction site or agricultural fields, the landowner should be contacted in the first instance for them to remove it.

“Where giant hogweed is identified on council land, a programme of herbicide treatment is implemented in line with the Environment Agency’s guidance to eradicate the plant.

“You can report giant hogweed on council land by completing the online form at warrington.gov.uk/grasscutting”