A waste company in Bolton has given assurances it will remove all knotweed from a site before it begins work on it.

Horrocks Waste Management was given permission to construct a new building which would allow it to continue the use the site on James Street, Westhoughton, as a waste management facility.

However, the plans were approved by Bolton Council subject to the condition that they would submit a scheme for the eradication of knotweed at the site.

Last year it was revealed the town was the worst spot in the country for the plant, which was called the most destructive in the UK.

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

The roots of knotweed and grow up to three metres and spread seven metres horizontally which gives it an advantage over other plants.

It emerged in the spring with red or purple spear-like shoots coming out from the ground.

They then rapidly grow into lush green shrubs with ink flecked stems and bamboo like cranes.

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Now Horrocks Waste Management has submitted the plan which was required for the eradication of knotweed.

In it they outline proposed works, which includes marking out areas of infestation, subjecting the knotweed to a treatment programme to reduce vigour and potential spread and then carrying out future monitoring.

The plan says they will continue to monitor between April and October of each year until 2026 when they hand it over to a client for ongoing monitoring who they say they will advise on the future treatments which are required.

When Horrocks Waste Management launched the proposals, they outlined the benefits which they said would result.

They said: “In the short term, the development of the site will result in on-site construction jobs and off-site jobs in construction related industries.

“Construction jobs will be generated in relation to the engineering works and surfacing of the steel shed and laying down of hardstanding and associated drainage.

“In the longer term, the expanding waste transfer station will provide jobs. “The location of facility will also likely benefit the local community including local retail, as users of the facilities can generate new trade for these businesses.”