A VILLAGE in Conwy is the worst place in Wales for Japanese Knotweed.

Capel Garmon, in the Conwy Valley near Betws-y-Coed, has been named as the location worst affected by the invasive plant. Also on the list is Bala, ranked as the number seven, and Holyhead, ranked as number 10.

Environet released the data, which has been mined from its online heatmap.

Capel Garmon has 395 infestations within a 4km radius, Bala has 220 infestations and Holyhead, 54.

Japanese knotweed is a weed that spreads rapidly. It grows along railways, waterways, in parks and gardens and is notoriously difficult to treat without professional help.

Nic Seal, founder and managing director of Environet, said: "Japanese knotweed has become a major problem across Wales, with notable hotspots around southern coastal towns from Llanelli down to Swansea and Bridgend. It is impacting property prices, halting sales and causing a huge amount of stress and worry for homeowners.

“At times such as this when the property market is slow and fewer homes are being bought and sold, it continues to spread unchecked."

The heatmap was launched earlier this year. It aims to inform homeowners and potential homebuyers of the local presence of Japanese knotweed. A postcode can be entered to discover reported knotweed sightings nearby. Visit www.environetuk.com/exposed-japanese-knotweed-heat-map-information