The Vale Council has joined forces with South Wales Police to investigate the vandalism of a Hornbeam tree on Dyserth Road in Penarth.
Following the Penarth Civic Society alerting the Council to the damage on 29th May, Arboriculture Officers visited the site and recorded 18 uniform 13mm holes in the base of the tree.
It is suspected that a drill has been used to create the holes with the intent of using the channels to deposit lethal chemicals into the tree, killing it.
The Council has since obtained a CAVAT (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Tree) of the tree to assess the damage that has been caused. Prior to the vandalism, the tree had a CAVAT value of £27,638, however, the new value has been placed at only £8,728.
In line with the Council’s Project Zero commitment, which aims to make the organisation carbon neutral by 2030, enhancing biodiversity is a top priority and vandalism such as this is taken extremely seriously.
The damage has been reported to South Wales Police who are encouraging members of the public to come forward with information or CCTV footage regarding the incident.
This can be submitted online here quoting the crime reference number: 2200182792.
A spokesperson for Vale of Glamorgan council said: “If residents have an issue with a council-owned tree in the Vale of Glamorgan, they should raise their concern via the Council’s online reporting system here and not take action themselves.”
Cllr Mark Wilson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “I was thoroughly disappointed to hear of the damage to this tree.
“While I’m sure the majority of residents share my disgust at the action against this tree, it’s important that the person or persons responsible understand that this behaviour will not be tolerated. I urge anyone with further information to get in touch.”
Anne Evans, Chair of the Penarth Civic Society said: “Together with other local groups, the Penarth Civic Society/ Penarth Tree Forum has been working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council helping to look after our street trees.
“Our volunteers are always on the lookout for damage to trees – however caused – which we then report at the earliest opportunity in the hope trees can be saved.”
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