Councillor hits out at 'mindless' vandals who damaged trees in Halesowen park

The trees were snapped off and grass damaged in Olive Hill Park, off Hope Street, recently.

It is hoped the saplings will be able to regrow despite the damage, but the local authority will look to replant them next year if not.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, has hit out at the “few selfish people” who damaged the park.

She said the authority would consider any requests for CCTV to be installed at Olive Hill Park as part of the council priorities and wider CCTV programme.

She said: “This mindless vandalism where a few selfish people take it upon themselves to spoil things for others in our green spaces is totally unacceptable.

“While they have been damaged, we hope that the saplings will be able to re-grow and put out shoots in the spring.

“If they do need to be replaced we will look to replant them as part of the following year’s tree management programme.

“The damage to the grass is thankfully only superficial and should grow out as the weather warms up.

“Requests for CCTV will need to be considered as part of council priorities and our wider CCTV implementation programme.

“We would however encourage residents to report incidents of anti-social behaviour like this to Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 or in case of immediate physical danger, directly to the police.”