'Outbreak' of dangerously toxic plant reported in area of Warrington

 Giant Hogweed has been spotted in the Woolston area of town, a resident reported today, Friday.

The plant, which originates from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia, is an invasive species that grows on riverbanks throughout the country.

Kenneth Bate, of Moss Side Farm, reported the issue, stating: “There is an outbreak of Giant Hogweed in the Woolston area.  

“This is due to the Giant Hogweed Plantation on abandoned land in between Juniper Lane and the M6 motorway (junction 21).

The toxic plant is towering over hedges in Woolston (Image: Supplied)
“Our numerous correspondence to Warrington Borough Council over several years regarding this extremely dangerous plant has fallen on deaf ears.  

“However as predicted, this is now beginning to take control over the Woolston area.

“But have no doubts that this will become a major problem within the whole of the Warrington community if it is continued to be ignored.

"Now I'm afraid Warrington will pay the dangerous consequences of this hazardous plant."

Pictures of the plant growing near to the residents home show it towering over his seven-foot hedge.

The poisonous plant, if came into contact with human skin, can cause the skin to blister and burn.

The toxic plant is towering over hedges in Woolston (Image: Supplied)
This is due to the plants sap which contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, according to the Woodland Trust.

Information from a spokesperson at the Woodland Trust stated: “If the sap gets onto your skin and it's then exposed to the sun, your skin can blister badly.

“Blistering can then recur over months and even years. This is known as phytotoxicity. “The best way to avoid injury is to familiarise yourself with the plant and avoid contact with your skin.

“Brushing through patches of giant hogweed and exposing yourself to plants that have been cut might cause you to get sap on your skin.”

Advice on what to do if you come into contact with the plant is to ‘wash the area thoroughly and immediately’ and seek medical advice.

Warrington Borough Council encourages residents to report any sightings of the plant so that a treatment programme can be put in place in the areas where it grows.

For more details on this, visit warrington.gov.uk/grass-cutting-and-dangerous-weeds

Warrington Borough Council has been contacted for a comment on this issue.