Revealed: The latest hotspots of Japanese knotweed in Oldham

Data from Environet shows which areas of the borough are currently seeing the most growth of the species.

Japanese knotweed can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species. 

Herbicide treatment is an effective way to control Japanese knotweed (Image: Property Care Association)

The plant is identified by its red stems and bamboo-like appearance and is capable of growing up to 8ft tall, while its roots can reach as wide as 28ft.

The areas with the most cases was near Chadderton and Failsworth, where 97 occurrences were recorded within a 4km radius of both areas.

Nearly 100 cases have been recorded in some parts of the borough (Image: Environet)

Another 50 cases were recorded south of the town centre, while there were 42 cases in the Royton.

Areas which saw fewer cases included Shaw, where 19 cases were recorded in a 4km radius, and Saddleworth, which saw 13 occurrences.

Environet estimates that around five per cent of homes across the UK are currently affected by Japanese knotweed, either directly or neighbouring an affected property, typically impacting property prices by around five or up to 10 per cent in severe cases.