AN ALIEN plant could be killing Preston's pond life!

That's the chilling warning from the Environment Agency which is urging local people to keep an eye out for the Floating Pennywort.

The weed is sweeping the North West and has been recently sightws in Preston.

The plant covers local ponds, killing fish and other aquatic animals and smothering native plants.

Even people are at risk. Because the Floating Pennywort takes the form of a solid mat, it often appears safe to walk on. However, any human or animal who falls in may find the 'mat' closing above their head, hampering rescue attempts.

Environment Agency scientist Ed Mycock said: "Pennywort is an extremely hardy plant which can grow back rapidly from a single root node and the spread of this species could be a real problem for our ponds, lakes and rivers in the North West.

"The plant can be bought quite innocently and has even been found in tropical fish tanks in other parts of the UK, with seeds spreading to the watercourse whenever the tanks are cleaned.

"As Pennywort is able to invade all parts of our water system, it's very hard to tackle."

The near-indestructible plant cannot be controlled naturally and herbicides often have to be used to clear sites. The plant was first introduced to Britain from the USA in the early 1980s.

Anyone who spots Pennywort, which has green, kidney shaped leaves of up to 2cm in diameter, should call the Environment Agency immediately on 0645 333111.

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