New trees planted at a Harborough park after saplings were destroyed by vandals

Eight new trees were planted at a Market Harborough park today (Thursday) after seven saplings were destroyed by vandals.

Coles Plant Centre in Thurnby has stepped in to donate the trees after vandals struck in Little Bowden Recreation Ground on Northampton Road.

The nursery has replaced the trees after they were snapped in half and the culprits branded “mindless” by Cllr Peter James.

Today Cllr James, the Harborough district councillor for Little Bowden, said: “I am very grateful to Coles for coming forward and donating these trees after they read about the despicable attack.

“They are being very public-spirited getting behind us here in Market Harborough and we really appreciate their help and support.”

Slamming the vandals, the Liberal Democrat councillor added: “They should be ashamed of themselves for carrying out this mindless onslaught.

“But planting new trees in such a beautiful park as Little Bowden rec shows that we will not be beaten by these idiots.

“We will never give in to them.

“I am appealing to everyone to help look after and protect our fantastic park which is so popular with so many local people.”

Leicestershire Police are hunting the vandals.

If you have any information about the attack you are being asked to call police on 101, quoting crime number 21*159275.