A MINDLESS act of vandalism has ruined the hard work of volunteers in Siddington.

Residents recently joined the parish council in planting more than 400 saplings at Siddington Playing Fields on Park Way, but just weeks later, a group of vandals have destroyed them, by kicking them out of the ground.

The young trees had been donated by the Woodland Trust and Cotswold Water Park Trust and were also supported with a grant of £2,550 from Gloucestershire County Council’s ‘Active Together’ fund.

As part of the enhancement work, the parish council had also installed picnic benches.

However, on April 15, a group of youths were seen crowding around the tables, throwing stones at parked cars and kicking over the newly planted saplings.

John Hall, chairman of the parish council, said: “This wanton destruction resulted in the police being called.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first incident of vandalism.

"About a week ago, youths were seen lighting fires in the youth shelter which is situated by the children’s play area.

“The council is determined to stop a few mindless youngsters damaging the amenity of the playing field which is so highly valued by the community.

“The parish council has already put new sticks in and some plastic coverings, the trees that were just bent over have been re-established and will hopefully recover to a satisfactory level”, he said.