Vandals damage North Tyneside Christmas trees

17-DEC-09

 

North Tyneside elected mayor Linda Arkley has expressed her disappointment after attacks by vandals forced the removal of two of the borough's illuminated Christmas trees.

Trees were erected in the three town centres and on nine of North Tyneside's major roundabouts as part of the council's festive displays.

However, following repeated attacks by vandals, trees have had to be removed from two roundabouts following a request by SEC Lighting Services, which maintains the lights on behalf of the council.

The trees were at the Foxhunters roundabout at Preston North Road at Rake Lane in North Shields and the roundabout where Station Road meets Killingworth Way in Killingworth.

Initially, lights on the trees were pulled off by vandals but re-set by SEC staff. However, later attacks led to lighting strings being broken, which could not be fixed.

Mrs Arkley said: "It's really disappointing that vandals would want to damage our Christmas trees.

"We've made a big effort with this year's festive displays, in fact they're our best ever, but this is simply spoiling them for residents.

"The damage really is a mindless act since the vandals are actually putting their own safety at risk by tampering with electrical equipment.

"I would urge anyone with information about who might be responsible for the damage to get in touch with the police."

Vandalism to a Christmas tree in Battle Hill last year has led to the tree, which was originally on the roundabout at Addington Drive and Battle Hill Drive, being moved to Kings Road North for this year's displays.

Notes to editors

In Whitley Bay town centre there are 93 lights plus new lighting for the trees at St Paul's Church, while St Mary's Lighthouse is illuminated a variety of colours.

Wallsend town centres features an entirely new display of 56 lights along the High Street and the junction with Station Road.

North Shields town centre has 85 lights, lighting on the trees in Northumberland Square, plus a special light designed by St Thomas More RC High School pupil Christian Wade.

The borough also features floral displays, including 176 floral containers, 54 barrier planters, 189 barrels and over 350 hanging baskets.

Issued by: Duncan Bennett