Bugs approved in war on knotweed

The Government has decided to take radical action against Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to this country as an ornamental plant in the early 19th century but escaped into the countryside and now grows at up to a metre a month, costing more than 150m a year to control and clear.

Ministers have authorised the release of an insect known as a psyllid which is a natural enemy of the plant in the hope it will finally be able to bring the troublemaker under control.

Research on more than 90 other plants has reassured them that only the knotweed will be targeted, although the bugs will be released at two sites first and intensively monitored before being rolled out.

Wildlife Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: "This project offers real hope that we can redress the balance. These tiny insects, which naturally prey on Japanese knotweed, will help free local authorities and industry from the huge cost of treating and killing this devastating plant."

The plant damages buildings, roads, railways and drains, as well as eroding river banks.