New figures show Whitehall, a neighbourhood in Darwen, Lancashire, has the highest number of recorded Japanese knotweed infestations in England, according to the data cited by the report. Whitehall has a population of about 9,000. The article also says homeowners in affected areas can face substantial costs to control or remove the invasive plant, with payments reported to reach up to £15,000. Japanese knotweed is described as a problem for gardens and property, as it can damage landscaping and potentially affect house values. The report frames the figures as indicating where infestation activity is most concentrated, using recorded cases to identify leading “hotspots.” While the information provided focuses on Whitehall’s standing and the financial burden on residents, it does not outline specific causes of why the neighbourhood has more recorded infestations than elsewhere, nor does it detail the methods used for control or any national trends beyond the hotspot ranking referenced in the report.