FEARS that Japanese knotweed could invade their properties has sent neighbouring residents into a spin after a planning application for the development of a residential home reveals the plant to be growing in the grounds.

But the landowner has assured residents that it will work with neighbours to address the problem.

Owned by Greensleeves Homes Trust (GHT), the application for the demolition of outbuildings and the construction of a new 15-bed dementia unit at Borovere Residential Home in Borovere Lane, Alton, contains an arboricultural survey which not only highlights the trees on site that are subject to tree preservation orders but also draws attention to "a small clump of Japanese Knotweed growing between the hedges", and that "young stems have also been seen in nearby locations".

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.