Mystery Tree Vandals Strike in Stratford

At least 10 trees, mainly natives, have been destroyed along the Eastern Loop section of the Carrington Walkway in Stratford.

The attack has taken place over the long weekend and was discovered by walkers using the track.

The destroyed trees were left lying where they fell, which indicates that they were not cut down for firewood but as a senseless act of destruction on a public asset.

Council is devastated by this senseless act of vandalism and if any member of the public sighted anyone over the weekend with an axe or has any information on this attack please contact the Stratford Police.

The attack must have taken some time and the person or persons responsible for the attack obviously had no skills with an axe as the stumps show.

Property Asset Manager, Vicki Jagersma says,”It is worrying that a person or persons are walking around public areas with an axe”.

The trees were part of 100 trees planted to celebrate Arbour Day in 1992. They were planted along the river walkway by 20 school students, Conservation Corp trainees, the Mayor and members of Council staff.

The trees are located east of Swansea Road behind the Stratford High School, on the walkway which follows the Patea River and departs from and returns to the road bridge on Swansea Road.

ENDS

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