By Rachel Charman
A Southchurch tree planting scheme has been destroyed by vandals, prompting outrage from Conservative councillor Brian Kelly.
Cllr Kelly (left) has represented Southchurch since 1997 and is standing for re-election in May. He said:
“We have done a new tree planting scheme at Bourne’s Green Roundabout to stop the damage to the verges from vehicles and installed trees to improve the environments of the new cycle way in Royal Artillery Way.
“No sooner than these were all planted vandals came along and broke the heads off all the newly planted trees at Bournes Green Roundabout.
“That’s more than £1,000 worth of criminal damage, which will double as we now need to replace the trees.
“I really hope we will be able to do that as soon as possible, but I just don’t know at the moment.
“I just cannot believe how thoughtless and destructive people can be.
“Tree planting is all part of my commitment to making Southchurch a much greener place but these people are ruining it for everyone.”
Cllr Kelly went on to point out that the Conservative administration has been criticised over its green policies such as the tree felling at Victoria Circus.
“What is really ironic is that the Conservative Council has received so much negative press over trees recently,” he continued.
“The council is committed to making Southend greener, with over 1000 new trees planted across the town over the past year, and almost two hundred new trees scheduled to be planted in the coming months, but the public are destroying the trees.”
Anyone who has information about the vandalism can telephone PCSO Tristan Adams on 07976 325346.
