ACTION is being taken to stop an invasive, floating weed from blocking a stretch of the River Chelmer.

Pennywort spreads quickly and is very thick which means it can stop the flow and cause problems for water companies.

The American plant, which arrived in the UK in the 80s, also blocks out light, reduces oxygen and lowers water temperatures which can harm wildlife.

But now an action team has been put together by Essex and Suffolk Water with a range of amenity, environment and wildlife groups in an attempt to cut it out.

Ashley Pinnock, a conservation advisor for Essex and Suffolk Water, said: "We're really pleased to be working with other organisations locally to tackle the issue with floating pennywort on the River Chelmer.

"Groups like the Chelmer Canal Trust have done a fantastic job in keeping the issue under control in recent years.

"Hopefully by working collaboratively we can build on their work to eradicate this invasive species completely and keep our waterways thriving."

Last year work on the issue was done on the Langford Cut, near the water company's treatment works in Langford, along the Chelmer.

However, workers found that pennywort had spread along the entire 13 miles of the river, from Springfield Basin, in Chelmsford, to Heybridge Basin.

It is hoped this new approach will led to the weed being completely destroyed, with the group focussing initial efforts on a known source at the Springfield Meadows stretch of the river.

Neil Frost, trustee of the Chelmer Canal Trust, said: "We welcome the action group approach to dealing with floating pennywort along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

"15 years ago the navigation was close to compete closure, with pennywort completely covering the water from bank to bank and along stretches several hundred metres long.

"Since then significant funding to employ contractors, along with thousands of hours of Chelmer Canal Trust volunteer time, have reduced the problem to one of management to contain new outbreaks.

"Combining our efforts with other partners should enable us to be even more effective and ensure that pennywort continues to have minimal impact on the Navigation, enabling the many who enjoy it and its surroundings to be able to continue to do so."