Council warning after '˜extensive damage' to Christmas trees

Following more incidents of vandalism to trees in recent days, council is again reminding the public of the consequences of interfering with decorations.

There has been a series of attacks since lights switch on ceremonies were held throughout the district in November and early December and extensive damage has been caused in the last couple of days to the trees in Waterloo Place in the city and Glenmoran Village outside Strabane.

It brings the total number of reported incidents in to the city centre to six while the tree in Strabane town centre was also damaged on the night of the Christmas lights switch on.

Council’s Head of Environment, Conor Canning said: “Unfortunately since we issued our appeal last week, further damage has been caused to trees in the city and district so we must repeat our appeals for the public to show respect before a serious incident occurs.

“While it may seem harmless, it is potentially very dangerous given the electrical equipment involved and the size of the trees council has erected.

“We would like to remind people that the decorations are there for everyone to enjoy throughout the festive season. We also urge the public to be vigilant of any vandalism and to report any incidents they witness to the PSNI.”