'Mindless' vandals damage fruit trees in Newport community orchard planted by volunteers

In the final day of coronation celebrations in 2023, around 40 volunteers from 13 of Newport's community groups came together to plant fruit trees in Victoria Park as part of the Big Help Out.

The King Charles III Community Orchard not only marked the new monarch's coronation but also paid a lasting tribute to the town's strong volunteering network.

But last weekend the young apple, pear, plum and damson trees planted to benefit the community were damaged by vandals.

Photographs shared by the police show a number of the trees, including those planted by The Boughey Trust, Newport History Society and Newport Rotary Lite, snapped at the base of the trunk.

Newport councillor Peter Scott, who was among those who planted the fruit trees back in 2023, condemned the "mindless" act of vandalism.

"It's unnecessary and totally mindless - there's not an excuse for it," Councillor Scott said.

"It's disappointing for all the groups that were part of the project, for every volunteer and the town council who put a lot of effort into the orchard. 

"It's disappointing that there are people in the town that would do something like this."

Police said all the trees had been damaged, with Councillor Scott stating that eight trees had been snapped and would need replacing.

Sharing photographs of the damage, PC Rich Edward said: "Do you know who was involved in causing this damage? Even if you did not witness it yourself, you may have heard information within the local community.

"Did you visit the orchard over the weekend and observed suspicious activity, or can you assist in narrowing the timeframe of when this damage was caused?

"Any information you provide will be treated in confidence, but will be vital in assisting us to identify those involved and take positive action with regard to this senseless damage."

Those with information are asked to contact the Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team via email on: newport.snt@westmercia.police.uk.