A POISONOUS giant plant which invaded waste ground in Blackburn has been chopped down.

The giant hogweed, which causes blisters and burns and can leave permanent scars, was found last week by contractors from a gardening company.

But after the danger of the plant was highlighted by this paper councillors and a local headteacher demanded action to remove it.

Council bosses have now stepped in and obliterated the Hogweed, which was growing on waste ground in Philips Road, near a children's play area and football pitch.

The plant is dangerous as it releases a poisonous sap when touched which causes the skin to react to sunlight leading to severe skin irritations.

The cauliflower-type weed, from the same family as parsley and carrots, can grow up to 15ft tall and especially likes to grow near water, although it can appear anywhere.

Little Harwood councillor Frank Gorton contacted Blackburn with Darwen Council after reading about the weed and persuaded them to axe it.

He said: "I was very concerned by the appearance of this plant, which can be very dangerous and I'm glad the council have seen fit to take swift and decisive action to remove it."

Mrs Helen Smith, headteacher of nearby St Stephen's Junior School, welcomed news that the weed was no more.

She said: "It is very good news. I was concerned about this and it seems to have been dealt with quickly and efficiently. I am very pleased."