A fully mature pine tree in Grove Park, Killyleagh, has been destroyed by vandals.
[caption id="attachment_59278" align="alignright" width="350"]
A mature pine tree has been vandalised in Killyleagh.[/caption]
The tree, located in an area maintained by the NI Housing Executive, was ringbarked and cut with a saw at the end of September. A local resident tried to take measures to save it unfortunately the tree surgeon had no option but to cut it down.
This is not the first time this type of vandalism has happened in the area and the Housing Executive is appealing for witnesses to contact the police.
The Housing Executive’s Ground’s Maintenance Manager, Dave McClure, said: “Only last year all the young small trees on the bank overlooking Limetree Hollow were cut down to a stump and had to be removed. This latest vandalism saw a 20-year old tree pine tree destroyed and has proved upsetting for local residents as well as for those of us maintaining the area.
“The Housing Executive has undertaken to replant the area slightly below this location but these will take time to mature.
“In the meantime I would appeal to anyone who has information regarding this contact the police on 101.”
Councillor Billy Walker said: “This is just wanton vandalism. People should leave public property alone. We have had enough of this is Killyleagh.
“I would support Mr McClure’s call for people who know something about this incident to contact the police.”
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