The invasion of a 9ft-tall toxic plant that can cause severe chemical burns to the skin has left residents of a housing estate unable to use their back gardens.

Giant hogweed has been left to grow unchecked on land next to Freland Grove in Muirhead - and has now found its way into the grounds of people's properties, leaving parents terrified to let their children or pets play outdoors.

Householders say the area has become so overgrown that lives are being put at risk, with vermin now also a problem.

Glasgow Times:

Kelly Merrilees, 32, refuses to let her six-year-old daughter Blake venture outdoors after the toxic plant - recognised by experts as among the most dangerous in the UK - spread into her garden.

She said: “I spotted it underneath her swing and trampoline, and it is continuing to grow elsewhere. I’m worried sick Blake will come into contact with it and could suffer serious burns.

"We don’t go into the garden at all and it’s really ruined the enjoyment of our home. On a sunny day, I go to my parents’ place so Blake can get out. It just doesn't feel safe letting her out around here.

“She is only primary school age and doesn't understand just how dangerous this plant is.

"I've seen on the news how horrific the injuries kids elsewhere have suffered by coming into contact with giant hogweed, so obviously I'm very concerned.

“It thrives in hot weather and the problem is now so bad it is hanging right over our fence. The communal lane at the rear of our homes is completely overgrown, it is a no-go zone.

“It’s just too dangerous for anyone to walk through. Something needs to be done before someone is badly injured. Because nobody can get into it to clean it up, it’s also attracting rats and bluebottles, it’s an unbearable situation.”

Glasgow Times:

Pay administrator Ms Merrilees moved into the Persimmon development three years ago and rents her property from North Lanarkshire Council. Both she and neighbours soon became aware of the giant hogweed growing on spare land to the rear of their homes.

She added: “It was away from our properties at first, but it’s now reached the stage where it’s spreading into people's gardens, it is everywhere.

“All of the residents are completely fed up with the situation and we can't seem to make any inroads in getting someone to tackle this. Something needs to be done before a child is badly hurt and ends up needing hospital treatment.

“We shouldn’t be expected to live like this."

The situation has become so hazardous that a local councillor has tried to cordon off the area using hazard 'no entry' tape to warn residents and visitors of the risk the plant poses.

Councillor Claire Williams has been campaigning on behalf of residents to have the issue resolved.

She said: “This is such a terrible situation for the people here, they feel like they have been abandoned. If this is left, the problem is only going to get much worse and spread even further.”

Ms Merrilees told how she has already stopped weeding around her property after her own skin became badly blistered.

She said: “The only way to tackle giant hogweed is to treat the land or dig it up. It needs urgent attention as the plant thrives in warm weather and it’s just going to get worse as we move through the summer.

“My own skin was left blistered after I tried to tidy up the undergrowth outside my own home and I’m really worried about Blake coming into contact with the plant and ending up seriously hurt.”

Glasgow Times:

Hogweed contains furocoumarins – a toxic chemical compound – and the sap can cause second-degree burns and permanent scarring to the skin. It is listed under the Invasive Alien Species Order 2019 and cannot be kept, transported or allowed to grow into the environment.

Anyone who even brushes against the plant is advised to seek medical attention.

Builders Persimmon say they are no longer responsible for the area of land where the plant is most prevalent and say it was transferred to factors Hacking and Paterson Management Services in 2019.

However, the factor firm says it had no remit to maintain this particular part of the development and claim it is the sole responsibility of the local authority.

A spokeswoman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Giant hogweed is classified as an invasive species and removal must be conducted with due care and attention.

“The council is currently tendering for a specialist contractor to remove the plant and this will be carried out as soon as possible. In the meantime, we would advise residents to avoid the area where the plant is located."