A new Ellon woodland community project has been seriously damaged by vandals.
Aberdeenshire community leaders last night condemned the “wanton” act which resulted in a huge number of saplings being uprooted at Gordon Park.
The tree planting project was designed to create a corridor of woodland around the popular green space and was created by Aberdeenshire Council with the help of local volunteers during the winter.
Although the project was largely welcomed by locals, several were said to have spoken out against the tree planting.
Local Liberal Democrat councillor, Isobel Davidson, said: “The tree planting was designed to make the park more attractive. It is a shame for a project like this which was partly done by the community.
“Local folk, including youth organisations planted trees, so it is a real shame their hard work has been destroyed.
“The local folk had some concerns, but the majority of people seemed happy we were increasing the tree cover.
“It was done for a few reasons, and having it destroyed like that is a shame. What is the point of destroying things just for the sake of it?”
Chairman of the Ellon Community Council, Sandy McDougall, accepted the scheme had not been welcomed by everybody, but voiced concerns that vandalism in the town was rising.
He added: “There seems to be an increase in the level of malicious vandalism in Ellon at the moment, a lot of it within the disused academy.
“It (the Gordon Park tree planting) was not universally supported, but it certainly isn’t something somebody should be taking into their own hands.
“We condemn any form of vandalism. And this is pure unadulterated vandalism.”
Conservative councillor, Gillian Owen, echoed these sentiments and slated those responsible.
She said: “This is shocking. This type of wanton destruction is unbelievable, totally unwarranted and unacceptable in a civilised society.
“I hope the police find the culprits and they are suitably punished.”
A council spokeswoman added : “Officers have passed the matter onto the police and we will be doing remedial works as soon as possible to save the saplings.
“Having been uprooted, they’ll struggle.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed inquiries were ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
