An investigation by The Times has revealed some incredible news regarding Network Rail and an apparent ongoing issue with Japanese knotweed.
According to The Times, Network Rail has received around 11,000 complaints about Japanese knotweed since 2011, equating to an average of 1375 knotweed complaints a year.
Worse still, over half of these complaints were regarding the spread of knotweed from the railways onto nearby homeowners’ private properties.
Impact on Surrounding Properties
The state-owned firm is responsible for maintaining the railways and adjoining land, which includes the containment of weed infestations like Japanese knotweed.
Japanese knotweed is notorious for its invasive attributes and can have a serious impact on a property in terms of its structural integrity, commonly targeting weak points in the sub-structure through cracks and openings.
The alleged lack of treatment by Network Rail has reportedly made it considerably more difficult for thousands of affected homeowners to sell their properties as a result of the knotweed making its way onto their properties.
"We Should Do More"
While the story does certainly paint Network Rail in a negative light, representatives for the railway authority are quick to refute the claims of negligence.
However, despite their rebuttal, they also concede that they could do more. Following the revelations, Environment Manager at Network Rail, Neil Strong, had this to say:
“While we meet our legislative obligations, we believe we should do more. We will always treat any knotweed area flagged to us and are working on enhancing our guidance and protocols to be in line with Property Care Association published codes of practice and thus give the assurance mortgage lenders are looking for.”
Professional Knotweed Removal
Regardless of who’s to blame and what’s been done, there’s no denying that Network Rail’s apparent issues with Japanese knotweed have them in quite a bind, both figuratively and literally.
If you suspect Japanese knotweed is present on your property, don’t allow your property to get side tracked like Network Rail. Leaving the dreaded vine to its own devices can allow your JKW infestation to build up a serious head of steam.
Luckily, here at Taylor Weed Control, we thrive on untangling the messiest of knotweed nuisances. Our first-class team of garden experts have over 15 years’ experience and are more than able to help you get your garden back on track.
Don’t let Japanese knotweed send you off the rails. Give your knotweed woes a one-way ticket out of town with weed eradication services from Taylor Weed Control.
For more information on Japanese knotweed services at Taylor Weed Control, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or click the button below to request a FREE knotweed survey.
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