Concern as land is treated for Japanese Knotweed

The fencing was erected earlier this month on land at Chorley Road in Standish, opposite Worthington Lakes, while trees were also marked.

People living there feared another housing development - but councillors have confirmed that the land is being treated for an infestation of Japanese Knotweed.

The fence has been erected to prevent dogs and walkers from walking over the infested areas.

The notorious plant can grow four inches a day in summer, and its roots or rhizomes spread far underground causing structural damage to buildings.

As well as this, BT are intending to do works to their existing cabling in the area and have marked the trees. The works will involve digging a trench to reach the cables below ground.

Standish councillor Ray Whittingham expressed his relief that more housing wasn’t on its way.

He said: “When trees started to be marked and fencing went up on Chorley Road in two separate works by BT on the main road and the landowner to tackle Japanese Knotweed, residents were understandably concerned that this would be another housing development.

“Frankly, this shows the lack of trust residents have in Wigan Council to be up front about potential development.

He added: “Fortunately, on this occasion, this doesn’t seem to be the case.”

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