PARK users have called for more action after a plant which can cause blindess and blistering was found in a Blackburn park.

Warning signs have gone up in Witton Park after a dog walker found a large clump of Giant Hogweed close to the all-weather pitches.

But resident Eileen Murray, 64, who reported the problem more than three weeks ago, said more needed to be done to prevent injuries and stop the plants from returning.

The council said it had been unable to act quicker due to the magnitude of the problem.

It is the latest in a spate of sightings across the area believed to have been made worse by the hot weather including a site in Hyndburn and at Brockholes, near Samlesbury.

Mrs Murray, who spotted the dangerous plants while attending flower arranging classes, said: ”I was shocked to find them in such a public place, especially close to where children play.

“Little has been done by the council beyond putting up signs to warn people.

“That will not stop inquisitive children who do not fully understand the risks from approaching them and gaining potentially life changing injuries.

“The plants have begun to seed so even if they are removed by the council it could come too late to stop them re-appearing.”

Meadowhead councillor Konrad Tapp advised park visitors to learn about the plants to avoid injury.

Human contact is known to cause severe blistering, blindness and the species is known to even kill dogs.

He said: “It’s a big concern because I don’t think that many people are aware of what the plant looks like and the dangers it can cause.

“I understand the council is in the process of taking action but this really needs to be addressed as soon as possible because it is in a very public place.”

Lancashire Wildlife Trust training manager Steve Cowell believed Giant Hogweed had become more prolific as a result of the hot weather.

He said: “This makes it hard to control if you are wearing hot protective suits. However these are also the type of conditions when people are likely to be most affected by the sap in the bright sunshine.”

The council confirmed the Lancashire Wildlife Trust would start stem injection treatment this week to prevent seeding but had to wait until an Environment Agency license had been granted for chemical use.