Loose-cannon lumberjacks have been causing havoc in a tranquil graveyard after hacking down healthy trees and damaging others beyond repair.
Two huge trees were completely removed from the footpath in Hebburn Cemetery, while a mature sycamore was left with such deep cuts to the bark it had to be cut down.
South Tyneside Council is now appealing for public help to learn who has been taking the arboriculture into their own hands, after confirming its specialist tree care team were not behind the mystery.
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“At the end of the day, this is a reckless act of vandalism,” said councillor Ernest Gibson, lead member for transport and neighbourhoods.
“The matter has been reported to the police and we hope that, with the help of residents and visitors to the cemetery, we can work to identify those responsible for the criminal damage.”
It is thought the trees were damaged between 8am on October 17 and 8.35am on October 20, and the council will now be monitoring the graveyard in the hope of preventing a repeat of the situation.
“Whoever is responsible for doing this has gone to some real effort to kill these healthy trees while also endangering themselves, others and posing a risk to the nearby memorials,” Coun Gibson added.
“Our Tree Team officers work exceptionally hard making sure the Borough’s trees are healthy and looking their best and they are extremely disappointed by this. I’m sure the vast majority of people who highly value trees will be just as saddened.”
Anyone who has any information about this incident is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police on 101, quoting crime reference number: 123918D/22
People are also urged to report any suspicious activity in any of the council’s cemeteries to its bereavement services.
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