Yobs snap 12ft trees in half during Bloxwich Park attack
Around 16 trees, which were about 12 feet tall, have been snapped in half and vandalised after being planted at a popular Bloxwich park earlier this year.
The mature trees have been damaged at King George V Playing Fields after being planted as part of regeneration work at the park. Bloxwich East Councillor Kath Phillips today said the actions by mindless vandals were 'soul destroying' and called for CCTV to be installed at the park, off Stafford Road.
She said the trees were recently planted to replace cherry blossom trees which were taken out a couple of years ago.
Councillor Phillips today urged anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact the police. She said: "I'm just gutted. The trees were just starting to mature beautifully.
"They have been chopped in half. It beggars belief.
"I suspect it is kids but I don't know. They have a play area and football pitches there. They don't need to be damaging trees. It's soul destroying and it's so upsetting.
"What we really need is a camera in the area.
"It is a beautiful park and I can't believe people will do this.
"My husband was out walking the dogs on Sunday and saw what was left of them. He said they were fine on Saturday."
The vandalism was reported to the council at about 6.30am on Sunday.
Walsall Council's leisure and culture boss Councillor Anthony Harris has condemned the vandalism and said the authority would look into the possibility of replacing the trees.
He said: "This is nothing more than mindless vandalism which costs this authority a lot of money. It regrettably happens. They're nothing more than yobs who have nothing to be proud of.
"If anyone sees incidents like this, it's best not to get involved but report the matter to the police or our parks team as soon as possible.
"We won't be beaten by this wanton act of vandalism and look into the possibility of replacing all those trees."
Anyone with information can call police on 101.
Thousands of people descended on King George V Playing Fields last year for the annual Bloxwich Carnival, and the park has also been popular for events such as bonfire and firework displays.
