Anger after trees snapped on city road

Vandals went on the rampage in a Peterborough street snapping trees planted on the side of the road.

A total of four lime trees were completely snapped in Broadway in the city centre on Monday night.

Park ward councillor Richard Ferris said the spree was ‘depressing.’

He said : “It is very depressing. It happens across Park Ward, but when it happens in Broadway, because we have a good residents’ association, people notice and get things done.

“I think it was more than one person who did this, because the trees are very substantial - it would have taken a lot of effort to do.

“It is also very sad because there are now four trees that need replacing, which is going to cost well over £1,000.

A Peterborough City Council spokesman said a tree surveyor had been to examine the trees, which had now been cut down to ground level, with traffic cones placed over them.

The trees will be replaced before the end of March next year.

Cllr Ferris said: “In the case of Broadway, the trees are a historic feature - they are one of the reasons people come to live in the area.

“I’m a big fan of trees - I think there are many areas of the city where we need lots more trees. I know they cost money to maintain, but without them we would be in a worse place.

“There is more and more evidence of the heath and well being benefits of having trees, and I am doing all I can to make sure we can get more in the city.”

Cambridgeshire Police are now investigating the vandalism, and anyone with information should call 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The trees were snapped by the yobs. Picture: Cllr Richard Ferris