VANDALS have defaced trees in Christchurch town centre gardens ahead of a decision to fell seven as part of a controversial development.

Around 15 trees in Druitt Gardens have had yellow crosses or other symbols including the words ‘save us’ painted on them, more than a week before a tree felling proposal to remove seven trees and prune three others goes before Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee.

The vandalism was raised at a meeting of the community services.

Chairman of the committee, Cllr Sally Derham-Wilkes said she was ‘disgusted’ when she was told about the damage and ‘pure vandalism’ to the trees.

“I am really disappointed to think that some members of our community have done something like that.”

Local residents have objected to the application to remove the trees, which has come about after permission was granted to transform the Cornfactor site in Christchurch town centre, which is next to Druitt Gardens, into apartments.

The objectors believe the removal of the trees will damage the gardens for users.

At the community services committee, members agreed for a builders’ compound for the Cornfactor development to be placed in part of Wick Lane car park with access over part of Druitt Gardens during the construction period.

Ward councillor Peter Hall told the committee he was ‘disappointed’ by the compound report.