Japanese Knotweed cannot be ignored!!!
A company in Bristol has recently been fined £18k for allowing Japanese Knotweed to spread onto neighbouring properties
MB Estate Limited chose to ignore a community protection notice which was served back in May 2017 following complaints “It’s like a forest” from several neighbouring properties.
After no attempt to obey the notice, Bristol City Council prosecuted the firm at the local Magistrates’ Court.
Bristol Magistrates Court has fined MB Estate Ltd £18,000 plus extra costs due to the firm failing to show up to the hearing or sentencing. It is believed this is the first time the law has been used in this way.
The court has ordered MB Estate to act immediately to remedy the problem which includes securing a Management Plan from a PCA specialist company outlining how the issue will be resolved. They have been told this must be done within 28 days.
It is unfortunate that the council needed to resort to formal action, however Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd hope that this sends a message out that when required, action has to be taken to protect the public.
