Thoughtless vandals have destroyed nine trees in Kidderminster which were planted in memory of a man who devoted his life to improving parks in the town.
The eight birch trees and the liquidambar tree in Brinton Park were planted in memory of Wyre Forest District Council employee Robin Minton, who died in 2013.
But the vandals struck at the memorial near the Loop Shelter during the evening on Monday, August 10.
Mr Minton spent many years working as a nurseryman in Brinton Park and designed and created flowerbeds in the council’s parks and open spaces. The memorial was also going to include circular seating around a central liquidambar tree and a display of wildflowers and spring bulbs.
The remaining seven trees which formed the memorial will now be moved to a different area of the park.
Arboricultural technician at Wyre Forest District Council Warren Davies said he and his colleagues had been “really upset” by the incident.
Robin dedicated so much of his time to Brinton Park and we felt it was going to be a fitting tribute to his great contribution over the years,” he said.
“It takes a lot of effort to plant, establish and maintain a young tree.
“We have been lucky until now as we have only had a few cases where our trees have been vandalised.
“Usually we would re-plant in the hope that whoever was responsible had moved on, but in this case we feel it’s best for us to re-think our options and look at planting Robin’s memorial elsewhere.”
The council’s cabinet member for operational services Cllr Ian Hardiman described the vandalism as “mindless”.
“The work the team has started to honour one of the council’s former employees has been destroyed and it spoils the environment for residents and visitors,” he said.
“There will also be a cost for replacing the trees.
“We would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward.”
