VANDALS have been targetting newly planted trees in Fairford.

Members of Fairford Preservation Trust were disappointed to find that out of 30 new trees planted in Walnut Tree Field, eight were mysteriously taken away.

In January this year the Trust planted 30 trees, with permission from the Ernest Cook Trust and the financial backing from Fairford Town Council, Lechlade and District Lions, Fairford Town Charity and various individual donations.

The aim was to enhance the area and create an area of shade near the children's playground.

However, a number of trees were removed and although members of the trust managed to track some of them down and re-plant them, they are concerned that they will not survive.

A tree dedication ceremony planned has now been delayed until the Trust is certain which trees survive the vandalism and members have asked the community to report any signs of vandalism to Fairford Town Council as quickly as possible to that any other trees can be rescued.