A foreign invader is putting down roots in the Malvern area.

The notorious Japanese knotweed has been seen growing at several sites in the area.

Local resident Alison Hawes has spotted the invasive and difficult to destroy plant in Abbey Road and near the Newland waste and recycling depot.

"It would be awful if it started spreading on the hills," she said.

Japanese knotweed was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the 1800s. It forms dense clumps up to three metres high and has large, oval green leaves and a hollow stem similar to bamboo.

It is often found where soil has been dumped, moved or disturbed and once established, it crowds out native plants and provides a poor habitat for native wildlife. It can also damage tarmac and walls.

Ian Rowat, of Malvern Hills Conservators, said there were already small patches of Japanese knotweed on Conservators' land.

"We're aware of the problem. We treat it regularly and we think we're getting on top of it," he said.

Mr Rowat said Japanese knotweed was was one of a number of problem plants the Conservators had to deal with. Others include ragwort, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said the Highways Partnership Unit would deal with the Japanese knotweed growing at Newland if Mrs Hawes told them exactly where it was.