RAMSBOTTOM has been revealed as a hotspot for "the UK’s most destructive plant", according to new figures from an invasive plant specialist.

Found in gardens across the UK, Japanese knotweed can grow through tiny gaps in concrete and tarmac, posing serious issues for homeowners if left unchecked.

Knotweed emerges from winter hibernation in early spring with red or purple spear-like shoots emerging from the ground which rapidly grow into lush green shrubs with ink flecked stems and bamboo like cranes.

The roots can grow as deep as 3m and spread up to 7m horizontally, giving it a significant advantage over native plants.

It can cause damage to properties by blocking drains and pipes, destroying asphalt and resin surfaces and causing damp.

According to Environet, which has produced an interactive heatmap to highlight the issue, there are more than 55,000 recorded sightings of Japanese knotweed across the UK.

The Bolton News: Japanese Knotweed hotspots shown on a heat mapJapanese Knotweed hotspots shown on a heat map

Hundreds of sightings of Japanese knotweed have been recorded across the borough with Ramsbottom named as one of the worst affected areas in Greater Manchester.

There were 176 recorded infestations within 4km radius from the town, while in Bury there were 102 reported sightings and 112 in Prestwich.

Since 2013, homeowners attempting to sell their property must check if their property is affected by the weed, provide a management plan for its eradication from a professional company.

While it is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed on your land, you can be prosecuted for allowing it to spread into the wild.

Nic Seal, founder and managing director of Environet, said: “Japanese knotweed tends to strike fear into the hearts of homeowners but as long as they’re aware of its presence and take action to remove it before it causes any serious damage or spreads to a neighbour’s property, there’s no reason to panic.

"By publishing the 2022 hotspots for Greater Manchester we hope to raise awareness and encourage people in the area to be vigilant for signs of knotweed as the growing season takes off, so they can act quickly if needed.

"Anyone living near or moving to one of these hotspots would be wise to check their garden carefully, enter their postcode into the system to find out how many known occurrences are nearby and if in doubt, seek expert help.”