A PLEA to report sightings of Japanese knotweed has gone out to parish councillors and villagers in Beetham.

The rapidly spreading weed, with its bamboo-like stems, has "serious consequences for property buyers", Beetham Parish Council heard at its recent meeting.

Meanwhile, the council is seeking consent to protect an 'orchid triangle' at Sandside. The small patch of roadside verge is home to a number of rare and important flowers in danger of damage from passers-by and parked cars. Efforts are being made to locate the site's owner.