TWO trees poisoned by unknown vandals in a Bournemouth park have died, but six replacements are planned.

Last summer residents spotted drill holes in two maritime pine trees on West Cliff Green, and council parks staff soon discovered the trees had been poisoned over a period of two years.

The poisoner has not been identified, however there was speculation at the time that the deed may have been a bid to improve views from nearby properties.

The council has now confirmed that the two prominent trees have died, although there is still hope for a third poisoned tree in a separate location.

Christopher Colledge, chairman of the West Cliff Green Residents' Association, said residents and the council were determined to ensure the poisoner would not profit from their actions.

"We came to a decision that there are going to be six trees planted in the vicinity of the two that died, which will stay where they are as they are not dangerous," he said.

"The council said they are going to fence that area off, and there was a little copse area of overgrowth around the trees which will be allowed to grow.

"I am very, very sad that the two trees, which have been there for many years, much longer than most residents, have not survived.

"I think it is admirable of the parks department that these new trees are going in in the next few weeks.

"It will send a message to the people who did this that not only will the community fight back but the council won't tolerate attacks on our heritage of horticulture."

Last summer there were sufficient concerns over the poisoning problem that the council installed CCTV to monitor the green.

The two affected maritime pines and one Scots pine, which are on public land, are each up to 40 years old but are not subject to preservation orders. Their trunks had up to 15 holes drilled allowing the herbicide poison to be introduced.

The holes were circled with orange paint to make them easily identifiable to the public. Mr Colledge said residents should "keep an eye on" trees on the green in case of future attacks.