RESIDENTS have told of their anger after newly-planted cherry blossom trees were destroyed by vandals at a park.

Several trees were found, by Jaroslaw Kowalski, a resident who regularly walks his dog in Clarence Park, Bury, to have been snapped in two and the incident has been reported to police.

Cllr Kevin Peel, environment deputy cabinet member, said: “Councillors and local residents are furious about this deliberate act of vandalism and we urge anyone who might have any information about who did it to contact us or the police.

“The cherry trees have been a feature of the landscape of Walkers Field for decades and these new trees will ensure that they continue to be so for many decades to come.

“We ask residents to keep a watchful eye to deter any further criminal acts.”

Jaroslaw said: “This was a senseless act of vandalism. I was left speechless when I saw what had happened and it really hurts to see these trees destroyed.

“It’s not just dog walkers like me that are impacted by this, but wildlife including deer and birds which rely on these trees.

“We should educate people more on these things, because these trees were important and every person I have spoken about it has been very upset.”

“Whoever is doing things like this clearly do not realise the harm they are doing.”

Bury Council’s community safety team is said to be reviewing CCTV to find the culprits and will be writing to residents about reporting anti-social behaviour.

Justnya Anna, Jaroslaw’s daughter, added: “I was disappointed to see the state of these trees and I don’t understand what went through someone’s mind that possessed them to do this.

“These trees are really good for the environment and I know some people may have their objections, but this is just petty and absolutely not the way to sort it.

“More should be done to tackle this and make people more respectful of the green spaces which help look after people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

The environmental initiative City of Trees will also be putting up posters asking people to report any information they may have.

If you know anything about this, contact police, quoting crime reference number CRI/06A2/0024006/21 of October 15.