AN invasive weed which has been spoiling Worcester's riverside has been drastically hacked back to open up the glorious view.

A team from Worcester City Council have been working their way across the west bank to bring the Himalayan balsam weed under control, an invasive species which has spread throughout the UK.

The weed actively creates worrying erosion on river banks because of it dying back over the winter, leaving the affected areas with less flood protection.

Council staff and volunteers were out in force during July to bring it under control, focusing on the riverbank view to the Cathedral and city centre.

The weed tends to spread easily because when the pods burst, often just from being touched by a passer-by, seeds are released which create new invasive plants very quickly.

Councillor Andy Roberts, cabinet member for cleaner and greener, said: "There are few things more enjoyable than Worcester’s lovely riverside on a warm sunny day and we want to make sure people can really enjoy the relaxing atmosphere it creates.

"We’re making sure nothing spoils that so we’ve been busy getting the Himalayan balsam under control.

"Some people like this plant, but on the riverside it can quickly become overgrown, obscuring the beautiful views and stopping other flowers from growing.

"If its pods are touched when they are ripe, they explode releasing their seeds.

"It has the same allure as bursting bubble wrap but every seed can create a new invasive plant, so it’s important for us to keep it in check.

"I’m very grateful to the Duckworth Trust, the Friends of Diglis Fields and other volunteers who help us battle the balsam and other weeds.

"I hope both Worcester residents and visitors to our vibrant city will enjoy the seven-plus miles of paths that run alongside the River Severn, offering a fantastic location for walking, running, cycling, boating or just relaxing."

The work follows around £5 million of taxpayers' cash being spent on transforming the riverside stretch from the main Worcester Bridge and the Diglis Bridge, a project which finished in 2011.

It includes new paths, extra seating, night-time lighting and a better public square at South Quay.

Since then paths have also been revitalised with new surfacing from Worcester Bridge all the way up to Pitchcroft racecourse, creating a seven-mile loop across the city.