Network Rail under fire over failure to stop spread of Japanese knotweed

More than 11,000 complaints have been made to Network Rail about the spread of Japanese knotweed since 2011.

The company, which owns and runs the UK's network of rail lines, have received more than 6,000 complaints that the invasive plant, non-native to the UK, is spreading on to private property from Network Rail sites.

The Times made a freedom of information request to Network Rail, which is owned by the taxpayer, to find out the extent of the issue, revealing that the number of complaints grew by 70 percent between 2012 and 2018.

Japanese knotweed was introduced to the UK in the late 19th century, but its extensive roots are known to spread and can block drains, damage the foundations of buildings and break through tarmac.

Its growth along railway tracks has often been unchecked because of logistical issues and because most chemicals don't deal with the roots.

For homeowners trying to sell their property, the presence of Japanese knotweed in their garden can often make their home impossible to sell, partly because many lenders will not provide a mortgage for a buyer.

For buyers keen on a property, the most practical way to find out if the plant is present in the garden is to instruct a chartered surveyor to carry out an extensive RICS Level 3 Survey.

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Network Rail told the Times it complies with current legislation in dealing with Japanese knotweed across its 20,000 mile rail network.

Neil Strong, the environment manager at Network rail, said: "While we meet our legislative obligations, we believe we should do more.

"We will always treat any knotweed area flagged to us and are working on enhancing our guidance and protocols to be in line with PCA-published codes of practice and thus give the assurance mortgage lenders are looking for."