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£15,000 Sale for Former Railway Track Marred by Japanese Knotweed Alert

A segment of an old railway track, priced at £15,000, is up for sale, with a cautionary note for potential buyers about the presence of Japanese knotweed. This piece of…

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Mortgages & Property Finance
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Published
05.01.2024
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£15,000 Sale for Former Railway Track Marred by Japanese Knotweed Alert
Fig. 1 · Story from Jam Press (Train Tracks Sale)Pictured: The stretch of old track for sale in Leeds.Japanese knotweed on the line! Old railway track for sale for £15,000 but buyers warned about invasive plantA stretch of old railway track is for sale for £15,000 but buyers are warned to watch out for Japanese knotweed.The ‘Wortley Curve’ spans over 3.1 acres over land.It was formerly used as a railway line up until 39-years-old.The section of railway previously connected the Wakefield to Leeds line to the Bradford to Leeds line in North Yorkshire.It was closed in 1985.The irregular shaped patch of land is still full of trees.The disused rail track is still on the property.It is situated next to Wortley Recreation Ground in Leeds.The land will be auctioned off by Pugh Auctions and is going under the hammer on 30 January.The description reads: “An irregular shaped parcel of land extending to approximately 3.1 acres and comprising land mainly used as a former railway line.”The site currently has heavy tree coverage and still retains some of the old rail track but could be suitable for a variety of future uses, subject to any necessary consents.”But it adds: “We understand that Japanese knotweed is present on site as well as some of the old rail track.“And due care should be taken when inspecting the site and is entirely at your own risk.”Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing plant which is hard to clear.ENDS

A segment of an old railway track, priced at £15,000, is up for sale, with a cautionary note for potential buyers about the presence of Japanese knotweed.

This piece of land, known as the ‘Wortley Curve’, covers an area of more than 3.1 acres.

Previously, it served as a railway line until it was discontinued 39 years ago.

The track used to link the Wakefield-Leeds and Bradford-Leeds lines in North Yorkshire and ceased operations in 1985.

Characterized by its irregular shape, the land is densely populated with trees.

Remnants of the unused railway track still lie within the property.

Located adjacent to Wortley Recreation Ground in Leeds, the land is set to be auctioned by Pugh Auctions and is scheduled to go under the hammer on January 30th.

The official listing describes the land as: “An irregularly shaped land parcel, spanning roughly 3.1 acres, primarily consisting of a former railway line. The site is heavily wooded and retains sections of the old railway track, presenting potential for diverse future applications, subject to requisite permissions.”

However, the listing also warns: “It is understood that the site is afflicted with Japanese knotweed along with remnants of the railway. Visitors are advised to exercise caution during site inspections, which are conducted at their own risk.”

Japanese knotweed is notorious for its rapid growth and the challenges it presents in eradication.

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