A giant 10ft poisonous weed that can cause huge blisters and burns on human skin is encroaching on worried Perth residents’ homes.
Homeowners on Low Road and Glasgow Road are demanding action to cull an invasive giant hogweed infestation between their gardens and the Craigie Burn.
Residents are scared to touch the toxic plant, which contains chemicals that react with light when in contact with human skin, causing blistering within 48 hours.
The toxic sap prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, which can lead to very bad sunburn and scarring. If accidentally rubbed in the eyes, the sap can cause temporary or even permanent blindness.
Fred Mulherron, of Low Road, said: “A number of householders, including myself, in both Glasgow Road and Low Road have been cutting down hogweed in front of their houses for a number of years.
“Despite this, it has been getting increasingly worse. Indeed, the weeds have been as high as 10 feet, with thousands and thousands of seeds. Many school children take a shortcut from Low Road to the Craigie Backpath and could risk serious skin damage.
“I am told the stuff is actually quite dangerous and is really beyond our knowledge and capabilities to handle. It thus needs serious professional culling.”
The Royal Horticultural Society advises that when controlling giant hogweed, gloves should be used, arms and legs covered and a face mask worn.
A native of the Caucasus mountains and central Asia, it tends to grow alongside rivers and canals, meaning unsuspecting members of the public may come into contact with it.
Perth South Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson said: “This is a very serious infestation of hogweed and the area is well used by school children on their way to school on an informal basis.
“I have already written to Muir Homes, who own the site, asking that they treat the plants urgently. I am again writing to them to urge them to take immediate action in this matter. Local residents are extremely concerned, as the infestation is increasing and the problem cannot be allowed to continue.”