A WOMAN claims pleas to Bolton Council to remove poisonous giant hogweed from a village have been ignored.

Mrs Marjorie Engmann says she is concerned about the amount of the plant which is occurring on the village green in Ringley, on the banks of the river and by the towpath.

"It wasn't sprayed last year and now it has seeds and there is more this year," she said.

The weed, which can grow up to 15ft tall, produces a toxic sap which can result in agonising blisters appearing on the skin.

Twelve-year-old Rachael Mangnall needed hospital treatment after suffering agonising burns on her arms and legs after coming into contact with the toxic sap of giant hogweeds last month.

Doctors expect the Harwood schoolgirl, who was hurt in Tonge Moor, to have scars for up to year.

Mrs Engmann says she has contacted the council several times about the weed but nothing has been done. "People just keep passing the buck," she said. "It is in flower at the moment and will seed again. It needs sorting out."

A spokeswoman for Bolton Council said they were not aware of any problems with giant hogweed in Ringley.

"But now that it has been brought to our attention we will go and investigate," she said.

"If it is on our land we will treat it. It is on the river bank it may be the responsibility of the Environment Agency."

A hot-line number, 01204 336926, has been set up for people to report incidences of giant hogweed.