Residents are fuming after ten trees were chopped down by vandals just months after being planted.

The trees, on Walmer Road in Seaford, were planted with government funding around five months ago, but this has gone to waste as the ten saplings were chopped by "mindless" vandals.

East Sussex County Council, which secured the funding for the trees, has asked the public to contact the police if they have any information about the felling.

Pictures of the dead trees on the grass verge alongside the green were shared on the Seaford Notice Board Facebook group where residents have condemned the act.

The Argus: The debris was left at the base of the treesThe debris was left at the base of the trees (Image: Supplied)

Sandra Marchant said: "I hope they can catch whoever did this. It is so unnecessary, just spoiling something beautiful.

Gilly Cooper continued: "This is such a shame. I walk along there regularly and was only thinking the other day how lovely it would be when they make a tree-lined avenue. What mindless destruction."

Read more: Shock as yew tree which 'predates the Battle of Hastings' felled

They were planted with the Local Authority Treescapes Fund which allows local governments to plant trees in non-woodland areas - such as at the roadside - in January and February this year.

But eight months later they have been chopped down, and the council has said it will not be planting replacement trees over concerns they could be damaged again.

The Argus: The trees were sliced out of their supportsThe trees were sliced out of their supports (Image: Alexa Hollis)

A spokeswoman for East Sussex County Council said: “We are extremely disappointed that a number of newly planted trees have been seriously damaged by vandals in Walmer Road in Seaford.

“The trees were planted and being maintained with grant funding secured by the council from the Local Authority Treescapes Fund.

“Unfortunately, as there is limited funding for replacements and a risk of further damage, it may not be possible for us to replace the damaged trees.  

“We would urge anyone with any information, CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101 quoting the reference number 47230200287.”

Sussex Police have been approached for comment.