People living close to railway stations have been paid thousands in compensation after Japanese knotweed was discovered invading people’s properties.
The thick plant grows rapidly and spreads across an area quickly and deep underground, making it aggravatingly difficult to remove.
It also suppresses other plant growth nearby, which not only decimates gardens but can also cause structural damage to homes.
Figures show Network Rail has paid out almost half a million pounds in compensation for cases of Japanese knotweed invading neighbouring property between April 2019 and 2022.
A Freedom of Information Act, showed £479,950 was stumped up in that time, according to the Daily Express.
The new data shows the highest amount of compensation cash was paid out in the Wales and Western region covering Wales, the Thames Valley, West of England and the South West Peninsula – where £294,950 was claimed over the three-year period.
Some £145,545 was paid out in the same period in the travel firm's North West and Central region. This area covers the West Coast mainline out of Euston station in London, through the Chiltern and West Midlands regions, right up to the North West and Cumbria.
In the Eastern region, which runs from the Scottish Borders down the East coast to London, the bill was £15,000 and Network Rail’s Southern area got stung for £24,500 during the 36 months in question.
Legal expert Mark Montaldo, from civil litigation specialist CEL Solicitors who submitted the FOI request, said: "This new data indicates that Network Rail is not dealing with the issue.
"Japanese knotweed is a nightmare for homeowners as it grows incredibly fast and can do extensive damage to both structures and foundations.
"If it originates on your property you are liable for court action and required to put an effective treatment plan in place.
"The invasive plant can knock tens of thousands off the value of a property and if you are the source you can be liable for a claim against you."
A Network Rail spokesperson said: "Once reported to us, Japanese knotweed growing on our land is treated for three to five years or until the problem is controlled.
“As many gardeners know, Japanese knotweed is invasive, difficult to treat and requires several years of treatment to be effective.
"Our established regime complies with legislation and enables us to run a safe, reliable railway, while also being a caring neighbour for homeowners who live by the railway."
Earlier this year it was reported tens of thousands of Brits across the country are currently dealing with Japanese Knotweed .
