‘Kick in the teeth’ for volunteers as vandals target cherry trees again
SAPLINGS WERE A GIFT FROM JAPANESE EMBASSY
We can’t let a few idiotic individuals spoil such a wonderful area in which to live
Daniel Atherton
CHERRY trees donated by the Japanese Embassy have been destroyed by vandals for the second time.
Up to 50 trees were acquired and planted by volunteers at Ruddington Lane Park, off the A52 Clifton Boulevard, and Iremongers Pond, Wilford Village, in February.
Eight trees were deliberately broken last month and three more trees were snapped in half in Wilford last weekend.
Volunteers have offered a reward for any information that will hep to catch the culprits.
Bill Roughton, chairman of the Iremongers Pond Association, said: “I haven’t wanted to face the pond since last weekend.
“It’s a real kick in the teeth for the community and everyone working hard for it.
“The trees were vandalised and are now beyond any repair or possibility of survival.
“Each tree being three years old, they would have required a substantial amount of effort to break the way they have been.
“This has stolen three years of growth, hours of hard work to plant them, and the priceless sentimental value of these gifts from the people of Japan.”
Daniel Atherton, community group committee member and Iremonger Pond Association volunteer, said: “We now have 11 out of the 50 trees destroyed in total.
“It’s so incredibly frustrating and distressing and has left the whole community dumbfounded as to whether there is any point in even trying to do nice things for the area when this is the result.
“We will carry on, though, more determined than ever.
“We can’t let a few idiotic individuals spoil such a wonderful community and area in which to live.”
Pat Huxley, chair of Wilford Community Group and secretary of the Iremongers Pond Association, added: “We were hugely fortunate to acquire the trees and we thank the Japanese Embassy for being so generous. “The trees were planted by volunteers and we were all so excited to see them blossom later in the season. “Sadly, we won’t be given that opportunity.” Police have appealed for information about the latest incident. PCSO Martin Fisher said: “The vandalism would have happened on Saturday evening (April 10) at Iremongers Pond in Wilford Village. “Only one of the trees was found near the scene, meaning the other two might well have been carried away by the offenders. “It’s hugely disappointing to see such a wonderful gesture and brilliant work from a band of volunteers work destroyed so horribly.” Anyone with information about the vandlaism that could help police is asked to call 101.