Vandals cut down £1,800 worth of trees in Fareham
VANDALS have sawn through the trunks of four saplings that cost the council £450 each to plant.
The vandalism, in Dore Avenue, Portchester, was discovered this week.
A councillor described it ‘a shocking criminal act’.
Councillor Simon Martin, executive member for Streetscene at Fareham Borough Council, said: ‘It’s particularly disappointing as tree planting is part of our strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change.
‘Not only does behaviour like this cost the council taxpayer money, it blights the natural environment which is there for us all to enjoy. We will work with the police to identify those responsible.
‘This is a shocking criminal act against four healthy young trees planted with Fareham taxpayer funds.’
The police have been informed of the incident, and residents are asked to contact them if they have information that could help their investigation.
Planted in 2017, the trees were a Hungarian oak, a Liquidambar, a Horse chestnut and a Sycamore.
The trees will be replanted in the next planting season.