A Bristol property owner has become the first person to be prosecuted for failing to control the spread of Japanese Knotweed.

MB Estate Limited were fined £18,000 plus costs when the council took the case to Bristol Magistrates Court.

They were also ordered to secure a plan within a month from a specialist company detailing how the issue will be resolved.

Bristol City Council had served the company with a community protection notice back in May 2017 following complaints from seven neighbouring properties.

After no attempt was made to comply with the notice, the city council took the decision to prosecute the property’s owner using the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

‘It is unfortunate that the council needed to resort to formal action, but we hope that this sends a message that appropriate action will be taken, when necessary, to protect the public,’ said Cllr Kye Dudd, cabinet member with responsibility for regulatory services.

‘Knotweed has the potential to cause significant nuisance to property owners, causing structural damage as well as anxiety over the effect on property prices and the ability to secure a mortgage.’

For advice on tackling Japanese Knotweed read our feature, 'Japanese knotweed: New advice to tackle a growing problem.'