COPY BY TOM BEDFORD<br />
Pictured: Robin Waistell by the Japanese knotweed behind the properties in Maesteg.<br />
Re: A homeowner whose bungalow is towered over by Japanese knotweed on a railway line has won a four-year legal fight for compensation by Network Rail.<br />
Robin Waistell claimed he was unable to sell because the rail body had ignored requests to tackle the invasive weed on the bank behind his home in Maesteg.<br />
The case was seen as a likely test for homeowners whose property is blighted by knotweed on railway embankments.<br />
Network Rail said it would be "reviewing the judgement in detail".<br />
It is understood the rail infrastructure body was refused immediate leave to appeal against the ruling.<br />
Network Rail faces potential legal costs running into six figures after losing the case in Cardiff bought by Mr Waistell and a neighbour.<br />
Widower Mr Waistell, 70, had moved to the bungalow from Spain after his wife died.<br />
He had hoped to return to the sun, but found his property sale stymied by the knotweed growing on adjacent Network Rail land and was asking for £60,000 compensation for loss of value.