Highways authorities are being urged to tackle potentially dangerous giant hogweed which is spreading along the borders of the A2 near Canterbury.

The invasive weed has chemicals in its sap which can cause severe blistering on a person’s skin and even leave scars.

Now, the alarm has been raised as the weed has been seen flourishing along a 100-metre section of the coast-bound A2 near Bridge.

Environment biodiversity expert Tom Reid, from Canterbury, fears it will spread rapidly as it flowers, and the seeds could be blown towards the Nailbourne stream and Little Stour.

He has long complained to the authorities about the “infestation” and says previous work to cut it back has not resolved it.

“I’ve been tracking this growth for some years and see it as I take my children to school in Bridge,” he said.

“The recent weather has really caused it to flourish and it urgently needs eradication through digging out by people who know what they are doing, and wearing the right protective clothing.”

Giant hogweed, which can grow up to five metres in height, is an invasive non-native plant species, also known as cartwheel-flower, giant cow parsley, giant cow parsnip or hogsbane.

It is native to central Asia and the Caucasus mountains and was first introduced to the UK in the 19th century.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 made it illegal to plant or cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild, and it is also listed under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019.

Tom added: “Although not in an area where people walk, this plant can spread through its airborne seeds and has the ability to cause horrific skin damage so needs eradicating wherever it is found.

“I’ve been in contact with Highways England, which has responsibility for this stretch of road, and am still waiting to hear back from them about what they plan to do about it.”

A city council spokesman welcomed Mr Reid raising the issue “because giant hogweed can be a major problem”.

“It is not the first time it has happened in this location and HE has cleared them on previous occasions,” he added.

Highways England has assured the city council its contractors are on to it.

An email to the authority’s environmental protection staff says: “We will be physically cutting/removing the seed heads (removed into black plastic bags) and taking them away as contaminated waste.

“The remaining stem should be injected with herbicide, if these cannot be cut then the stem will be injected with herbicide.”

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