A COUNCILLOR has slammed the "indiscriminate and selfish action" after the poisoning of trees in areas across the county.

Dorset Council says it has noticed an increase in damage being caused to its trees in areas including Birchwood Drive in Alderholt as well as locations in Weymouth, Corfe Mullen, and Sturminster Marshall.

On each occasion, it says, the culprit appears to be trying to poison and kill the tree so that it will have to be removed.

The council also says apart from it being illegal there are also safety issues in that the tree could become unstable and either it, or its branches, falling and damaging property or even causing injury or death.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “This indiscriminate and selfish action is putting others at risk. It’s one thing to attempt to kill a healthy tree for personal benefit, but quite another to endanger people and property while doing so.

"There must be local residents who have seen and/or can identify the culprits and we would welcome any information which would enable us to pursue prosecutions.”

Dorset Police has been informed of all the locations where this vandalism has been happening and Dorset Council will be monitoring these sites for further activity.

A statement issued by the council added: "Anybody caught deliberately damaging council trees will be taken to court where they are likely to receive a large fine and could be subject to a criminal record."

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Dorset Council at arboriculture@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

 

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.