Yobs attack Xmas tree
VILLAGERS LEFT DISAPPOINTED AS VANDALS STRIKE AT FESTIVE TIME
CHEERLESS yobs chopped down a village Christmas tree – on Christmas Day.
Villagers got the needle after the £500 tree in the centre of Lepton was left in a sorry state when vandals hacked it down.
The forlorn-looking spruce is now splayed across the stretch of grass on which it had been planted, with fears that the Christmas lights could pose a safety risk to children or dogs.
Almondbury councillor Alison Munro said she was called on Boxing Day morning by residents who’d woken to see the tree felled.
Clr Munro said: “A resident phoned me up on Boxing Day saying it had been chopped down, so I went up and took a photograph.
“It actually belongs to the parish council, but it would have been expensive to plant so it is very disappointing.
“I just think it’s a symbol of Christmas and it’s a real shame – it seems to be an attack on Christmas itself. It’s a tragedy that it has been hacked down. It is criminal damage.
“The residents living opposite enjoyed having it to look out on.”
The tree had been up for several weeks and was also decorated with lights.
Clr Munro added: “We are concerned that the electric lights have been left and that someone might be able to fiddle with them.
“It needs making safe as soon as possible. That is the responsibility of Kirkburton Parish Council.”