‘Shameful’ vandalism of saplings condemned by Bolton Council

The young trees were planted on green land close to Hall I’th’ Wood museum just last month, before being discovered torn up and strewn across the green.

A member of the public discovered the scene on the land across from Astley Bridge Police Station and alerted Bolton Council, who reported it to the police.

The trees were planted in February by volunteers and staff from City of Trees, and took two days to plant.

The saplings were torn up and strewn across the green (Image: Bolton Council)

Cllr Richard Silvester, Bolton Council’s executive member for climate change and environment, condemned the incident as “utterly shameful”.

He said: “This kind of mindless vandalism is utterly shameful and whoever has done it is a disgrace to themselves and their community.

 “Bolton’s green spaces are valued by young and old, and one of the things councillors are most often asked is to plant more trees.

 “It’s awful to see trees that could have been enjoyed by generations to come ripped from the ground, and I’m determined to find the culprits.”

Cllr Jackie Schofield, of Bradshaw, also condemned the act and said there was still hope some of the trees could be saved.

The Labour councillor said: “I’m shocked at the destruction of these young trees and what a great addition they would have been for the local community.

“We are working with the local officers to try to reach a solution to it. Officers have done an assessment and hopefully we can save some of the trees in the area.”