WORRIED residents fear Japanese knotweed will knock thousands of pounds off the value of their properties unless the problem is tackled.

As we previously reported, retired gardener Dennis Hodson claims the fast-growing invasive plant has taken over Brickfields Park, part of King George V playing fields, and is creeping toward homes.

Japanese knotweed is the most common of four invasive knotweed plant species in the UK, and can cause ecological damage and may be classified as controlled waste, according to the Environment Agency.

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Residents say council bosses are repeatedly ignoring their pleas for help to stop the 
“eyesore” weed invading their homes.

Mr Hodson, 73, lives in a £200,000 bungalow in Tunnel Hill which backs onto the fields.

He said: “The knotweed has gone rampant in the park and it’s coming up in our gardens now, including mine which is just 20 metres away. It's a bit of a nightmare. 

“It’s happening in Elder Close as well as Tunnel Hill.

“It’s getting to about six foot tall in the park and I’ve tried calling the council, but they haven’t done anything.

“Two or three years ago they used to cut it back, which is never going to get rid of it, but now they’re not even doing that."

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Another resident added: “The knotweed just keeps getting closer and closer to our homes.

“It’s like a scene from The Day of the Triffids and the mixture of the very hot weather and then heavy rain has just made it grow out of control.

“The council do nothing to help and we all worry about the impact it’s having on the value of our homes.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to buy a house which is at risk of being taken over by this thing.”

Japanese knotweed was introduced to the country from Japan as an ornamental plant in 1825.

It can grow 10cm a day and cause severe damage to buildings and infrastructure if left unchecked.

Worcester News: Dennis Hodson with Japanese Knotweed. Picture Credit: SWNS.Dennis Hodson with Japanese Knotweed. Picture Credit: SWNS.

A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: “We are aware of the Japanese knotweed growing at King George V Playing Fields and our specially-trained staff will stem-inject the plants in the coming days.

"It will take a few weeks to die off and we will do a follow-up treatment in a month and another next year to ensure it is dealt with. 

“If this Japanese knotweed has spread to properties from the playing fields, then residents can get in touch with us and we can treat it accordingly.”