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Attack of the super weed hits Olympics

Japanese knotweed removal West midlands

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An infestation of Japanese knotweed could add £70 million to the cost of staging the 2012 Olympics.

Surveyors have discovered that the aggressive weed has taken over 10 acres of the proposed sites for the velodrome and aquatic centre in Stratford.

Specialists can charge up to £40,000 to clear only six square yards of ground affected by the weed, which has been called the most invasive plant in Britain.

Workers at the Olympic site have begun hacking and burning but specialists may be needed to ensure every trace is removed to stop a renewed infestation. That could mean the cost of the work, involving concentrated chemical weedkiller and large-scale excavation, could top £70 million.

Introduced in the 1850s as an ornamental plant, knotweed is such a menace to native species that planting it is now an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
It can grow three quarters of an inch a day and its roots can burrow 10 feet down, cracking concrete foundations and damaging walls and roads.

The Olympic Delivery Authority insists there is enough funding in the £220 million set aside for the preparation of the Olympic site to meet the cost.

News of the infestation comes after Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, revealed the total budget for the Olympics had risen to £9.3 billion.

London 2012 was not put on hold because of Japanese Knotweed so don’t let your project be put on hold! Knotweed may be a very tough weed but eradication is possible as proven by London 2012. Luckily the eradication of knotweed from the Olympic site was done by trained professionals; this prevented regrowth and ensured that the site would be structurally sound for years to come. This was ahcieved through a variety of methods including spraying with herbicides, excavation, use of membranes and stem injecting Knotweed Services will be able to completely eradicate your Japanese Knotweed infestation. Contact us today by filling in the form on this page or calling 0800 689 4146. For every client we create a personal Japanese knotweed management plan to make sure every job is successful.

Original article from the mail online, www.dailymail.co.uk | UPDATED:11:55, 26 March 2007

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