HUGE poisonous plants which can cause chronic blisters, scars and even blindness are blossoming on a popular Bradford Council nature reserve despite warnings they should be destroyed.

Kevin Sunderland, of the Aire Rivers Trust, claims City Hall bosses are not doing enough to heed his warnings about Giant Hogweed at Bingley North Bog which lies between the A650 and the famous Five Rise Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

In response, a council spokesman has insisted the authority is doing what it can to deal with the situation.

Contact with Giant Hogweed’s toxic sap causes severe skin inflammation with blisters forming over two days which then turn black or purple and can last for years.

If the invasive plant’s juices enter the eyes it can lead to temporary and sometimes permanent blindness.

Mr Sunderland said: “I informed the council and someone did come down and clear some of the plants, but missed a lot of them.

“And now there are two, about ten foot tall and each ready to burst open and release some 50,000 seeds right beside a beck which feeds into the River Aire and can carry the hogweed down towards Bingley and Bradford.

“This is really nasty stuff, it can cause terrible burns and many people, especially children have no idea how dangerous it is.”

A council spokesman said: “We are aware that there is some Giant Hogweed at Bingley North Bog and have been dealing with it on an annual basis and we will do some more control this year.

“The plant only really poses a threat if people break the stem so we would encourage anyone who sees some not to touch it.

“We are, however, doing what we can to eradicate it at this site.”

The Environment Agency issued warnings about the alien plant which was first imported into the UK from the Far East in the 19th century.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: Giant hogweed is an invasive species that can have a detrimental impact on the environment in which it is growing.

“Landowners and the public should take precautions to help prevent its spread, and safety precautions must also be taken because the plant’s toxic sap can cause burns and blistering on the skin.

“The public can help to track the spread of invasive species using the PlantTracker mobile app – visit planttracker.org.uk to find out how.”