A TREE has been vandalised – and it is suspected the culprit (or culprits) planned to poison it.

South Wales Police and Vale of Glamorgan Council are investigating the vandalism of a Hornbeam tree on Dyserth Road in Penarth.

Penarth Civic Society alerted the council to damage at the end of May.

Chair of the Penarth Civic Society, Anne Evans, said: “Together with other local groups, the Penarth Civic Society/ Penarth Tree Forum has been working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council helping to look after our street trees.

“Our volunteers are always on the lookout for damage to trees - however caused - which we then report at the earliest opportunity in the hope trees can be saved.”

Arboriculture officers visited the tree which has 18 uniform 13mm holes in its base; it’s suspected a drill was used to create the channels to deposit lethal chemicals into the tree, killing it.

Penarth Times:

The council has since obtained a CAVAT (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Tree) of the tree to assess the damage. Previously the tree had a CAVAT value of £27,638, but the new value is £8,728.

Cllr Mark Wilson, cabinet member for neighbourhood and building services, said: “I was thoroughly disappointed to hear of the damage to this tree.

“While I’m sure most residents share my disgust at the action against this tree, it’s important that the person or persons responsible understand that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I urge anyone with further information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information on the vandalism to the tree can contact South Wales Police - referencing the crime number 2200182792 – at https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo

If residents have an issue with a council-owned tree in the Vale of Glamorgan, they can raise their concern via the online reporting system at https://bit.ly/3xqGlPp