House garden destroyed by Japanese knotweed
ADESPERATE couple are fighting a losing battle with a fearsome weed which grows eight inches a day and has devoured their garden.
Christopher and Marie Moore’s 70ft garden is under siege after being invaded by Japanese knotweed.
The destructive plant first rooted itself outside their council-owned Yardley Wood home in 2012.
Despite numerous attempts to curb the rapid growth of the troublesome weed – which can tear through brickwork and concrete – it has left their garden out of bounds.
Now, the couple claim the council has refused to carry out work to remove the plant, which is notoriously difficult to clear.
“We have been in this house for the past 16 years and had a lovely garden up until around five years ago,” Mr Moore told the Birmingham Post.
“Initially, I thought it was a normal weed but as soon as I realised it was knotweed I called the council.
“They sent someone out to take pictures and told me they would be carrying out the work to remove it, but then they changed their minds.
“I have a 70ft garden and, at the moment, it is totally unusable. The leaves door.
“The roots are going under the house and the council is not concerned in the slightest.”
Mr Moore claims council officers have instead advised him to chop down the offending weeds and ‘burn them’.
But he said not only would that contravene the terms of his tenancy, but it would not eradicate the weed.
“We’re told not to have fires in the gardens of council properties, yet they are telling me to do exactly that,” he said
“I’m concerned they could evict me if I break the terms of my tenancy but they are refusing to do anything. I feel like I don’t want to live here any more.”
A Birmingham City Council spokesman said: “Mr Moore was visited by housing officers in August last year and was correctly advised at the time that it was his responsibility as a tenant to deal with the treatment and removal of the Japanese knotweed, as well as being provided with further advice and guidance on how to do so.
“However, it was agreed last month that Japanese knotweed in council tenants’ gardens will now be dealt with by the council to ensure a consistent approach in tackling the issue across the city. We will be in contact with Mr Moore to arrange an appointment.” are coming through the back