RESIDENTS have been left ‘heartbroken’ as newly planted trees have been destroyed.

Seven trees in Dibden View, Bridport, have been snapped, with the vandalism branded as ‘truly deplorable and mindless’.

Danielle Baskerville, who lives in Dibden View, enjoyed seeing the trees with her two daughters, who have been left upset and wondering ‘why anyone could be so mean’.

She said: “We were so happy to see the newly planted trees. As we walk past them daily, my girls would often comment on how beautiful it will look when the trees get their first leaves and how big they will eventually grow. They would even imagine one day when they have grown up, showing their own children the trees they remember being planted.

“That was until we were devastated and heartbroken to find someone has vandalised these beautiful trees. Someone has gone along the line of the trees, cruelly snapping the heads off - this must have taken some time as you can see where the bark has been bent back and forth to break it off - leaving the sorry looking branches scattered on the floor.

“My eldest daughter is heartbroken that anyone could do such a thing, while my youngest daughter questioned why anyone could be so mean.

“I hope they find those responsible and hold them accountable for this act of vandalism, then make them pay for and replant each of the trees they have destroyed.”

Resident Ray Beer was also shocked to see ‘such wanton vandalism’ to the trees on March 14 and said the damage must have been done in the daylight as they were fine at 9am that morning.

The trees were not planted by the town council and it is not the council’s land, but it will be making the police aware of the incident.

Will Austin, clerk at Bridport Town Council said: “This is a truly deplorable and mindless act of vandalism that shows no respect for residents, the environment or the climate emergency.

“I hope the person or people who did it will take a long look at themselves and decide whether they think they’re a part of our wonderful community.”

Magna Housing planted the trees.

A spokesman said: "Ten trees were planted at Dibden View and three trees at Cherry Tree on February 27 as part of Magna’s winter work schedule to improve our open areas."