RESIDENTS fear an infestation of the "dreaded" Japanese knotweed in the Avenues.
Homeowners are being urged to be on the lookout for the plant after it was spotted growing in Marlborough Avenue.
Posters have been tied to trees in Pearson Park asking people "Have you seen this weed?"
The plant, which can grow taller than 2m and has bamboo-like canes, spreads rapidly and can damage roads, buildings and drains.
Ward councillor Rosie Nicola said: "Once this weed takes a hold, it is awful.
"It is a very difficult plant to get rid of.
"I don't know how it has got here, whether seeds have been blown here by downwind or people haven't been disposing of it properly, but sadly it has popped up in the Avenues.
"People need to understand what the weed looks like and the potential damage it can cause, which can be absolutely devastating.
"I am urging people to look out for it and to get advice on how to start the process of removing it."
The weed was first seen growing in one of the tenfoots in Marlborough Avenue.
Because tenfoots are classed as private land, it is the responsibility of the residents to dispose of the plant, but they are prohibited from putting it in dustbins.
Residents are also banned from taking the plant off the property without a licence, forcing them to either set it on fire, douse it in weed killer or hire professional eradicators.
The plant has also been spotted growing along the wall at the council-owned General Cemetery in Spring Bank West.
The authority is now starting a five-year process to clear it.
The plant is such a threat most mortgage providers will refuse to grant mortgages where the weed grows and residents can be held liable if it encroaches into someone else's property.
John Robinson, Park Avenue resident and Friends of Pearson Park chairman, said: "I was panicking when we were told it was growing.
"I got the flyer and we have a plant that is growing in the back yard, which was of a similar description, but I have been reassured it isn't Japanese knotweed.
"I was very glad we haven't got it and I feel sorry for anyone who has.
"It is a very important issue that needs to be dealt with."
Visit avenuesonline.org.uk or environmentagency.gov.uk for further information about what to do with Japanese knotweed.
Takes up to five years to eradicateJapanese knotweed is a perennial weed, with tall, bamboo-like canes. The canes have purple flecks.
The plant can grow up to 2.1m tall in the summer.
The leaves are shovel-shaped and in the winter it dies back, leaving dark brown canes.
It can take up to five years to eradicate and failing to dispose of it correctly can result in prosecution.
Spreading Japanese knotweed is harmful to native plants and animals.
