ESSENTIAL safety works are being carried out at a wood in Leamington following reckless vandalism to over 50 trees.
The trees were felled or damaged in June to create an illegal bike trail just 50 metres away from official bike trails at Newbold Comyn.
A badger sett was also destroyed as offenders dug it out to create a two metre hole and used the excess to create jumps.
Warwickshire Police’s rural crime team said at the time this was possibly the single worst report of illegal sett destruction the team had attended.
Following inspection by the Warwick District Council’s forestry team, work will now be carried out on the vandalised trees to make them safe for users of the park, as well as other trees within the area that have been identified as requiring safety works.
This serious incident remains an active police investigation.
Anyone who has any information relating to the matter should contact the Warwickshire Rural Crime Team at [email protected]
WDC’s green spaces spokesperson Coun Will Roberts said: “This wanton destruction of woodland which is home to many habitats and species is ecological vandalism, and the council strongly condemns any activity like this which can cause serious harm to these habitats and the public. We understand that many of those using the cycle trails are equally shocked by this incident, which is not indicative of the community that enjoys using them.
“We want to reassure the community that we will have an increased presence on the Comyn to deter any new unauthorised developments.”
