REPORTS of harmful hogweed have increased in Torfaen, mayor Giles Davies said today.

Chemicals in the sap of giant hogweed can cause rashes, blisters and may require hospital treatment.

Despite the reports, the plant is said to be extremely rare in Torfaen, with three known instances in the borough in the last 30 years.

Most reports of giant hogweed in Torfaen are actually of common hogweed, Cllr Davies said.

There have only been three known instances of the weed in the borough in the last 30 years, and only one of these on council land.

Torfaen council has set up a dedicated web page where residents can create hogweed reports.

Cllr Davies said: “All reports so far have turned out to be other plants, incorrectly identified by the public as giant hogweed.”

Giant hogweed is notable for its size and can reach more than 10 foot in height.

The flowers are white and grow in flat-topped clusters and the heads can be as large as two foot across.

People reporting hogweed are encouraged to include a street name, as well as a location such as a house number, or street light number to pinpoint the plant.

Cllr Davies has also included a web link to a YouTube video showing what giant hogweed looks like on his Facebook page.

For more information log on to www.torfaen.gov.uk/gianthogweed