6 June 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Gardens Targeted by Vandals

Vandalism has occurred over Queen’s Birthday weekend, with a number of public gardens being destroyed.

Damage occurred over night on Sunday 3 June at the Percy Thomson Arboretum on Cloten Road. Vandals have pulled up and then either destroyed, removed or tossed aside 120 plants which had recently been planted.

“It is very disheartening to have this happen when we are trying to further enhance the site.”, says Council’s Property Assets Manager Vicki Jagersma, “Council had purchased and planted these plants in May to bulk up and infill the Arboretum. Council wants to utilise ratepayers funds effectively and to now find that this work has been destroyed has been distressing.” Two-thirds of the plants have been recovered and replanted with further funding now needed to replace the missing plants.

On Juliet Street a newly planted tree in a planter box was destroyed with two other trees damaged. The Malone Statue garden also had its plants removed overnight on Saturday 2 June and Sunday 3 June.

Council would appreciate any information concerning the above vandalism to be reported to the Police for investigation.

Ends

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