A toxic weed that can cause huge blisters and burns on human skin has finally been eradicated from an area close to Perth homes.
Residents on Low Road and Glasgow Road demanded action was taken to get rid of invasive giant hogweed between their gardens and the Craigie Burn.
The Courier highlighted a campaign by Perth South Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson and residents to track down the owner of the land on which the hogweed was growing.
As well as residents’ concerns, Mr Wilson said immediate action was needed as the area was well used by children on their way to school.
The weeds had grown to between 16 and 18 feet high.
Last week Muir Homes admitted responsibility for the weed as the land at Low Road is owned by their subsidiary company Thain Homes.
Low Road resident Fred Mulherron said: “I have had a look at the area and they seem to have got at all the other plants not cut by myself and a friend.
“I noticed that they also sprayed the smaller plants. So it has paid to be somewhat persistent.
“All that remains is to make a diary entry for next year a bit earlier than this year so the plants don’t have a chance to grow enormous.
“Hopefully this is an end to the matter for 2015 for the Craigie Burn area.”
Plant removal experts were required to be brought in due to the dangers that the weed poses.
The Royal Horticultural Society advises that when controlling giant hogweed, gloves should be used, arms and legs covered and a face mask worn.
Although it looks harmless, sap from the plant’s reddish-purple stem has an irritating effect on human skin and can cause other health problems.
Significant blistering which can take months to heal can occur within 48 hours of skin contact, and just a brush is enough to start a potential reaction.
Eye contact with the sap can also cause blindness.