A family has received £6,000 in compensation after the aggressive plant Japanese Knotweed invaded their property from a nearby railway. Chris Davies and his family sought legal advice after they noticed the encroachment coming from a Network Rail Infrastructure’s railway behind his home.
After contacting solicitors, Mr Davies, who lives in south Wales, had the knotweed professionally surveyed and was relieved to be awarded compensation and an agreed treatment plan put in place to prevent any damage to his home. Japanese Knotweed is a problematic weed, renowned for causing structural damages, interfering with drain pipes and growing into small cracks or joints where it can expand and break them.
It is most commonly found near railway locations as it was traditionally used to support railway embankments and its surroundings. In this particular case, it originated from Network Rail Infrastructure’s railway at the back of Mr Davies’ property.
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Mr Davies first noticed the Japanese Knotweed encroaching at the back of his garden in 2019. The aggressive plant is now growing close to his outbuildings and will eventually cause structural damage to his property.
After seeking legal advice from Liverpool-based High Street Solicitors (HSS), surveyors found the Japanese Knotweed to be two metres in height near Mr Davies’ home. The infestation was also found to be around 20 years old and the plant on Mr Davies’ home to be 4-5 years old.
The surveyor also noted that they found no evidence of treatment within Network Rail Infrastructure’s land and, in their opinion, they had been pulling stems up within their own boundary. Mr Davies explained: "I’d noticed the Japanese Knotweed and knew that it can be really damaging to the structure of nearby properties if left untreated so I contacted solicitors for advice.
"I’m delighted that HSS has dealt with this issue, with my family receiving compensation as well as having the encroaching plant treated to prevent any future damage. I’d urge anyone in a similar position to contact them for help."
Christopher Eccles, a solicitor at HSS, added: "Summer is the height of Japanese Knotweed season; it’s when the plant will grow more vigorously. Japanese Knotweed poses a risk to the structure of properties, wreaking havoc if it grows and destroys the foundations of homes.
"We’re delighted to have helped Chris and his family receive £6,000 in compensation and have a treatment plan in place from National Rail Infrastructure so that the infestation is destroyed and monitored."
He added: "If you suspect you have Japanese Knotweed encroaching on your home or into your garden, please get in touch and we can advise you further.”
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