Hadleigh prides itself of its exotic flowers and flora, but there is one invasive plant which is not welcome and causing a problem in the town and surrounding villages.

An environmental heat map has identified Japanese Knotweed is an ever growing issue in the Hadleigh area, with nearly 40 cases reported along the A1070 corridor of villages between Hintlesham and Boxford, according to Environet UK's Knotweed heat map here...

Layham, Polstead and Elmsett have also been identified as problem areas.

The knotweed often grows into dense thickets and overwhelms native flora, contributing to river bank erosion and increasing the likelihood of flooding, which is a problem along the River Brett.

It can also cause significant delays and cost to development as well as structural damage (it can grow through asphalt and some other surfaces).

It was introduced in the early 19th century as an ornamental plant but is now common and wide-