An investigation has been launched after eight trees were "injected with poison". It comes after Neath Port Talbot Council officers were called to land between Crofton Drive and Willow Grove in the Baglan area after a member of the public raised concerns about dead trees in the area.
On inspection, council staff found holes had been drilled into the bases of eight semi-mature trees. They later took soil and bark samples to Bartlett Tree Experts for analysis- and have now confirmed that tests found an "undiluted herbicide" (which, in large doses, can kill trees) was present in each of the trees.
The council has informed South Wales Police of the deliberate damage and is appealing for anyone who knows anything about the poisoning to contact the council or police. Want the latest Neath Port Talbot news straight to your inbox? We send our email subscribers a newsletter twice per week with the latest news from the region. Sign up here
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A spokesperson for Neath Port Talbot Council said: "This chemical was used to deliberately poison these trees by pouring it into the drilled holes. “Once injected the chemical was taken into the vascular system of the trees and their rapid decline was then inevitable.
"We appear to be seeing an increase of malicious intent towards trees throughout the county and will be monitoring the situation and if required will take further action.
"We would ask members of the public in this area who may have seen any suspicious activity around these trees to contact the council or South Wales Police."
Neath Port Talbot Council's cabinet member for climate change and wellbeing. Cllr Jeremy Hurley added: "This is vandalism and constitutes a criminal offence. Trees are vital to fighting climate change and are also crucial for our wellbeing. If anyone knows anything about these appalling acts please let either the police or the council know."
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