Sefton Council has condemned an act of vandalism and is appealing for information from residents. 

Last week, Green Sefton staff found a newly planted tree in Litherland had been snapped in half, causing damage so severe that it had to be removed. It is unclear exactly when the damage occurred, but one report suggested people had been seen climbing on the protective guard surrounding the tree.

Concerning trend

The tree was one of hundreds planted across the Borough as part of ongoing work to make Sefton greener, improve local neighbourhoods and help tackle climate change. 

The Council is urging anyone living in the Watling Avenue or Lowden Avenue area who may have witnessed the damage, or captured it on CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcam footage, to come forward. It has also reported the incident to Merseyside Police. 

The incident is the latest in a worrying series of vandalism on trees across the borough. Trees were ripped up in Bootle last autumn, mere months after damage to trees in the Crosby Road South area – with one of the affected trees having replaced another that had been deliberately snapped.

"Upsetting and frustrating"

Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "It is incredibly disappointing that yet another young tree has been deliberately damaged. 

"These trees are planted to benefit everyone. They help improve air quality, support wildlife, make our neighbourhoods more attractive and play an important role in creating a greener Sefton for future generations. 

"To see a newly planted tree destroyed before it has even had the chance to grow is both upsetting and frustrating. 

"This kind of mindless criminal damage is completely unacceptable. It wastes Council taxpayers' money and undermines the efforts being made by local communities and council staff to improve our environment. 

"If anyone saw what happened or has any information that could help identify those responsible, I would urge them to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Issues with trees in Sefton, including those which have died or been damaged, can be reported to Green Sefton through the Council’s online reporting tool.