Had a look at Docken pictures and that looks more like what we’ve got than horseraddish. Blast, oh well. Digging session continues tomorrow.

Thanks for the help AberdeenshireQuine

Yes, quite confident this is Rumex obtusifolius – broad-leaved dock.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumex_obtusifolius

Aye the digging has begun in earnest now. Trouble is the roots really do go down a way making them a pain to get out without disturbing what is around them. Will be more vigilant next year in getting rid of it earlier on. But I suspect it will all just regrown where the roots are 8inches lower than I dug out.

Cheers all.

if its growing out of the cracks in the concrete paths etc, you could try boiling the jug and then pouring the boiling water over them, works here with some plants, a good organic alternative to some weeds..

Before you formalise your declaration of war and start pouring vinegar or more potent chemicals all around your garden, do ponder for a moment that this isn’t an entirely useless plant:

http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rumex+obtusifolius

Have a read of the various uses before you decide on categorising it as obnoxious weed or ultra-low maintenance herb!

Wulf