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South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
How to remove Japanese knotweed before you get an ASBO
Gardening is one of those tasks that we Brits love-hate, but ignoring Japanese Knotweed could result in 'severe legal consequences.' Experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd warn that allowing invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed to grow, could even pose a risk of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) or substantial fines. Can you get fined for Japanese knotweed? Ignoring even the slightest spread of this highly destructive weed, or failing to manage contaminated soil, could cost homeowners up to £5,000 in fines. Under reformed government legislation, a Community Protection Notice (CPN) – commonly known as an ASBO – can now be issued to individuals or organisations who fail to control Japanese knotweed, deeming such inaction as "unreasonable conduct" that negatively impacts the quality of life in a neighbourhood. Jennifer Holmes at Japanese Knotweed Ltd, said: 'One of the most asked questions we hear is; 'What damage can knotweed cause?' and knotweed takes advantage of any weaknesses in buildings, structures and underground infrastructure. 'If there's a tiny fracture or crack it'll grow through it - expanding that crack to cause potentially serious damage. 'We've seen concrete broken up, pipes smashed to pieces and even knotweed growing through cracks in walls to invade a kitchen - yes it grew through a crack in the wall and appeared inside a kitchen cupboard. 'It's super important to catch knotweed before it gets to this stage, often it's undetectable to an untrained eye - that's why calling in a specialist surveyor is your best defence.' What is a ASBO (CPN)? Failure to control Japanese knotweed can lead to a Community Protection Notice (CPN). A CPN could be used after a mandatory written warning has been served beforehand to inform people to take action. Breach of any requirement of a CPN, without reasonable excuse, would be a criminal offence, subject to a fixed penalty notice. On summary conviction, an individual would be liable to a fine of up to £2,500. Japanese Knotweed Ltd advises that you 'act fast' if you suspect you have knotweed in your garden – or if its even its coming through from an adjoining neighbour's garden. How to remove Japanese knotweed? Control methods, such as herbicide management plans or excavation, should be implemented promptly to prevent further spread and avoid legal issues. Japanese Knotweed Ltd specialises in the identification, treatment, and offers professional legal guidance concerning Japanese knotweed. UK landowners can also apply for Land Remediation Relief on works carried out - which is a valuable tax relief giving back thousands. Recommended reading: What is Japanese knotweed The invasive plant is relentlessly durable, fast-growing and can cause damage to nearby structures. Japanese knotweed is most visible during the summer months, particularly in late summer and early autumn when it flowers. However, it's also identifiable in other seasons, with distinct characteristics in spring and winter.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
Owner of 'dangerous dog' that's 'terrorising Brixton Market' warned to keep it on lead, police confirm
Police are investigating reports of a dangerous dog after MyLondon revealed a former heavyweight boxer is accused of letting his pet storm through Brixton Market mauling cats. Scotland Yard say officers are looking at two incidents on February 12 and 13, while the owner has been issued a civil injunction, legally requiring he keep the dog on a lead or face prosecution at the magistrates. MyLondon previously named the accused dog owner as Alexander Warren, 37, a former professional fighter, known in the ring as AJ Carter, who was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in 48-seconds at his last bout in 2017. Mr Warren, who has publicly spoken about his previous convictions for assault and robbery, then picked up a 12 week jail sentence for animal cruelty after spanking a police horse at an anti-vax rally in 2021. Despite his good impression with Brixton's street cleaners, who said Mr Warren is a 'good man' with 'manners', those same cleaners described Mr Warren's black dog as a 'terrorist' who doesn't behave when off the lead. Market traders also told MyLondon 'everyone is scared' after a series of attacks on the felines which are prized by traders for pest control and generally adored by everyone living and working around Electric Avenue. READ MORE: Secondary school places: London borough where children least likely to get first choice READ MORE: Pensioner 'murdered' in Lewisham following alleged pub dispute Our own investigation involved reviewing video footage and using open source techniques to identify Mr Warren as the owner. When MyLondon visited Mr Warren's flat, on Hartington Road in Nine Elms, we found two dogs matching the description who barked ferociously and launched themselves against the door. Mr Warren was approached for comment but did not reply. Since our story, a number of Brixton locals have got in contact to share their continued concerns about other alleged incidents, while some animal-lovers have shared their devastation about the cat killings. Action on ASB, a community campaign set up to deal with anti-social behaviour in Brixton, have contacted local police to highlight community worries. MyLondon has also seen a letter from local police about a Community Protection Notice (CPN) issued to Mr Warren. CPNs are designed to stop anti-social behaviour and failure to comply can lead to a court summons and £2,500 fine upon conviction. The statement, which appears to be from a local officer, threatens "further enforcement action" if Mr Warren is found in breach. On Monday (March 3), a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "We are investigating reports of a dangerous dog in Brixton Market on Wednesday, 12 February and Thursday, 13 February. "As part of our efforts to protect the public, we have worked alongside the Met's Dogs Unit to issue the owner with a Community Protection Notice. "This means the dog must be kept on a lead at all times while in Lambeth and Southwark. Our officers on patrol are aware of the notice and will continue to monitor to ensure the dog owner is complying with the conditions.' An RSPCA spokesperson also said: 'We are incredibly saddened to hear about these cat deaths and our enquiries are ongoing. However, we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may or may not have been taken, for legal reasons. We know this is frustrating for animal lovers but we must comply with the law.' Got a tip, a court date, or some gossip? Please email or WhatsApp 07580255582. Don't miss out on the latest crime stories from across London. Sign up to MyLondon's Court & Crime newsletter HERE
