REDDITCH Borough Council is putting out a call to arms to ask volunteers to help manage a major weed problem.

Himalayan Balsam grows on riverbanks and wasteland and travels long distances through watercourses, meaning it spreads easily.

Attempts to remove it have to be well-timed as its fragile seed pods will simply burst and spread more of the weed downstream.

The weed is present across the Borough but specifically in abundance at Arrow Valley Country Park.

The problem is so serious that attacking it has been included as part of the Council’s watercourse management plan.

Ray Cooke, who manages the plan, said: “We are currently building up our volunteer groups within the park and will be asking volunteers to help us control the balsam each year, around April/May time.

“Next year it looks like we will have a bigger battle on our hands so will be looking for more people and local businesses willing to give up their time and wage war on the weeds.”

A web page has been set up for people, groups and businesses to register their interest.

For more information, email parks@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or go to redditchbc.gov.uk/volunteer.