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Warning after toxic hogweed reported


Council role MARDEN Parish Council has se- lected a new councillor. Cllr Theresa Gibson has lived in


the village for just five years but has fallen in love with the unique lifestyle and community. She said: “My husband is ex-


military so as a family we have lived in various different places around the UK and overseas. “I have always had an interest


in where I live and to try and ef- fect the needs and requirements of all local residents. “That doesn't make me an ex-


pert by any means, but I hope to be able to continue to work to benefit the residents of Marden.”


ALARMING reports confirm toxic giant hogweed is making a re-appearance in Kent - and has al- ready been spotted in Maidstone. Large quantities of the invasive non-native plant were first re- ported growing alongside the M2 from Medway to Canterbury. The plant now appears to be spreading around Maidstone with recent discoveries close to the Croudace housing development along Hermitage Lane. Contact with the plant, which can grow to 15ft, can cause skin to blister, forming painful lesions, with effects continuing for years. Ward councillor Dan Daley (Lib


Dem) warned: “The plant is highly toxic and dangerous if disturbed, touched, or broken. “Wherever it is discovered, it should be reported to Maidstone Borough Council as removal of it requires specialist treatment.”


and does well in disturbed soils. Each plant produces about 50,000 seeds, and can take up to five years to eradicate. It causes riverbank erosion and reduces habitat for native species. The Medway Valley Country-


side Partnership (MVCP) works to control giant hogweed, floating pennywort, Japanese knotweed and other


invasive non-native


This picture shows the scale of giant hogweed


Giant hogweed was introduced to Britain in the 19th century from countries such as Armenia and southern Russia, as a popular cu- riosity in ornamental gardens. It grows predominately near rivers


species. Andrea Griffiths, senior partner- ship officer for MVCP, said: “We have been controlling giant hog- weed across the Medway catch- ment’s riverbanks for over 10 years. It’s incredibly invasive and damaging to the environment. It is toxic to humans causing severe blistering to the skin.”


To report evidence of giant hog-


weed contact Maidstone Borough Council or email the MVCP at medwayvalley@kent.gov.uk.


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