Council response to giant hogweed concerns near Arpley Road

Warrington Borough Council has received reports of giant hogweed growing along the walkway after Arpley Road near to The Riverside pub.

The plant has the potential to inflict severe burns to the skin on touch, with its highly dangerous sap known leave people with scars as a result.

Walkers have reported what they thought was giant hogweed

Dozens of reports of the plant have been made in Warrington over recent years, and with more people venturing out for walks as the weather improves, the chance of bumping into it has escalated.

However, the council has confirmed that while the plant growing near the walkway does look similar to giant hogweed, this is not the case on this occasion.

It is likely to be a less dangerous specimen such as lesser hogweed, cow parsley or wild carrot.

A council spokesman said: “While land in this area is not owned by the council, we are aware of reports of giant hogweed.

Walkers have reported what they thought was giant hogweed

“We can confirm the plants near this footpath do not appear to be giant hogweed, with lesser hogweed, cow parsley and wild carrot are often mistaken for giant hogweed.

“We take the control of giant hogweed growing on council land very seriously, and a programme of eradication is in place.

“New plants are added to the programme as and when they are found or reported.”