Vandals destroy trees in Long Knowle

Council and community leaders have condemned vandals who have caused over £2,000 worth of damage to a much-loved public open space in Wednesfield.

A dozen 10ft lime trees which were planted by Wolverhampton City Council’s parks department in consultation with local residents at Long Knowle have been snapped in half.

District Manager for Parks and Green Spaces Steve Male said the site had been targeted by vandals since planting started in March this year.

“It’s really heart-breaking,” he said. “From the very start, we’ve had shrubs and trees pulled out which we’ve had to re-plant. This is the latest and most damaging act of vandalism. It must have taken quite some strength to snap in half trees of this size.”

He added that plans to do more landscaping in the area were now in jeopardy.

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Councillor Matt Holdcroft, who lives locally, said: “It’s distressing when a tiny minority wantonly destroy something that gives pleasure to the whole community. Local residents of all ages enjoy this space to play ball games, exercise, walk their dogs, or take their children to the two play areas.”

Wednesfield and Fallings Park Local Neighbourhood Partnership chair, Reverend Simon Mansfield, added: “The Local Neighbourhood Partnership is writing to all residents in Long Knowle to urge them to contact the police if they know anything about the destruction of these beautiful trees.

“Residents specifically wanted this space enhanced by landscaping and will feel outraged by this latest act of vandalism.”

Anyone with information on the destruction of these trees should contact Wednesfield Police Station on 0345 113 500.

Photo: Wolverhampton City Council