A family in South Wales has received £6,000 in compensation for aggressive Japanese Knotweed which has been encroaching into his garden.
The problematic weed is renowned for causing structural damages and creating issues, causing interference with drain pipes and growing into small cracks or joints where it can expand and break them.
It’s most commonly found near railway locations as it was traditionally used to support railway embankments and its surroundings. In this particular case, it originated from Network Rail Infrastructure’s railway at the back of Chris Davies’ property.
Mr Davies first noticed the Japanese Knotweed encroaching at the back of his garden in 2019. The aggressive plant is now growing close to his outbuildings and will eventually cause structural damage to his property.
Mr Davies sought legal advice from Liverpool-based High Street Solicitors (HSS) in 2019 who had the knotweed professionally surveyed.
The surveyor found the Japanese Knotweed to be 2m in height near Mr Davies’ home and approximately 36 square metres in area, with the infestation around 20 years old, and the plant on Mr Davies’ home to be 4-5 years old.
The surveyor also noted that they found no evidence of treatment within Network Rail Infrastructure’s land and, in their opinion, they had been pulling stems up within their own boundary.
Mr Davies explained:
“I’d noticed the Japanese Knotweed and knew that it can be really damaging to the structure of nearby properties if left untreated. I’m delighted that HSS has dealt with this issue, with my family receiving compensation as well as having the encroaching plant treated to prevent any future damage.”
Christopher Eccles, Solicitor at High Street Solicitors added:
“Summer is the height of Japanese Knotweed season; it’s when the plant will grow more vigorously. Japanese Knotweed poses a risk to the structure of properties, wreaking havoc if it grows and destroys the foundations of homes. We’re delighted to have helped Chris and his family receive £6,000 in compensation and have a treatment plan in place from National Rail Infrastructure so that the infestation is destroyed and monitored.”
