Town centre trees targeted by vandals after revamp (From Harrow Times)

Harrow town centre trees targeted by vandals after revamp

5:13pm Wednesday 1st August 2012 in News By David Hardiman, Reporter

The council has vowed to “protect” the town centre’s trees after vandals targeted saplings planted as part of regeneration work.

Five of the trees planted in Station Road as part of a £3.5million revamp of the street last year, which included new granite paving, lighting and street furniture, have been snapped.

Jeff Anderson contacted the Harrow Times after seeing the latest tree to be kicked down last weekend outside the Taste of Lahore restaurant at the junction with Sheepcote Road.

He said: “The trees looked beautiful and helped add some green to soften the urban environment. It is a shame that a mindless few think it funny to destroy our local environment.”

Councillor Phillip O’Dell, portfolio holder for environment, said Harrow Council would protect the rest of the newly-planted trees with metal tree guards.

He added: “Harrow is among the greenest boroughs in London and we are proud of the number of trees, parks, and green spaces we have in the borough.

“We are doing much to preserve this reputation and are absolutely appalled by these mindless acts of vandalism.”