The extent of Japanese knotweed infestations in Leek and around Staffordshire has been shown on an interactive map published by an invasive plant specialist.

The map published by Environet shows that areas within a 4km radius of Leek town centre have had 9 reported sightings of Japanese knotweed. However, there were 11 reported sightings within a 4m radius of the outskirts of Leek.

The figure is good news for the town as Leek's reported sightings are comparatively much lower than many other areas in Staffordshire.

Across all of Staffordshire (excluding Stoke-on-Trent) Cannock had the most sightings of the invasive plant, with 23, while Leek's neighbouring Moorlands town Biddulph was in joint second place alongside Burton, with both areas having 21 sightings.

The interactive online heatmap is designed to track Japanese knotweed sightings around the UK, with around 50,000 known infestations around the UK currently reported on the map.

The plant is native to Asia but was brought to the UK in the 19th century, and is now considered an invasive species.

It grows and spreads quickly, and can be a menace to homeowners and gardeners, causing damage to properties and preventing other plants from growing.

Environet explained more about why it is important to remove Japanese knotweed on their website with the top six problems the plant can cause. They are:

1. Protect your Assets - Knotweed will make it more difficult to sell an affected property, impacting its value by an average of 10%. Half of would-be buyers will walk away from a property known to be infested with knotweed. Sellers are required by law to disclose the presence of knotweed – if they don't, they risk an expensive misrepresentation claim in the courts.
2. A Growing Problem - Knotweed is programmed to grow, its underground rhizome system extending year on year, infecting more ground. It's a problem that simply won't go away on its own, so the sooner it's tackled the better.
3. Nuisance Neighbours - Knotweed does not respect property boundaries and those who allow it to spread also diminish the value of their neighbour's property. This can lead to neighbour disputes and costly civil claims under private nuisance legislation.
4. Damage - Knotweed can and does cause damage to property. Perhaps not as bad as some might make you believe, but don't under-estimate the damage the plant can wreak.
5. DIY Disasters - Knotweed and building or landscaping projects don't mix! If you want to add that conservatory, summer house or home office pod to the garden, tackle the Japanese knotweed first.
6. The Heavy Hand of the Law - And for those who are still not convinced, be aware that an injunction or Community Protection Notice, otherwise known as an ASBO, can enforce people to act to remove knotweed from their property

If you would like to view the interactive map yourself, view the Environet website here.