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Vandals wreck Kidderminster memorial trees

Birch trees planted as part of a memorial following the death of a former park worker have been destroyed by vandals.

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Councillors have condemned the attack at Brinton Park in Kidderminster on the tribute to popular former nurseryman Robin Minton.

Some of the trees were snapped in two as the thoughtless vandals ran riot in the park. Wyre Forest District Council is now weighing up whether to move the memorial over fears it could be damaged again.

Mr Minton dedicated his life to brightening up parks in the area and the trees were planted as a special tribute after his death in 2013.

He worked in the Wyre Forest for more than 40 years, helping to design and create the flowerbeds in the council's parks and open spaces. He died two years ago aged 62 following a battle with cancer.

Warren Davies, Wyre Forest District Council's arboricultural technician said: "Robin dedicated so much of his time to Brinton Park and we felt it was going to be a fitting tribute to his great contribution over the years.

"It takes a lot of effort to plant, establish and maintain a young tree. Usually we would re-plant in the hope that whoever was responsible had moved on, but in this case we feel it's best for us to re-think our options and look at planting Robin's memorial elsewhere."

The trees were just the start of the memorial, which was also going to include circular seating around a central liquidambar tree and a display of wildflowers and spring bulbs.

The trees were vandalised during on Monday evening and the council is appealing to anyone who has information to contact West Merica Police on 101.

Former colleagues of Mr Minton today branded the acts as 'mindless vandalism'.

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