Down District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Dermot Curran has condemned this behaviour, “I am outraged at this mindless vandalism, I cannot believe that less than two weeks since I switched-on the Christmas lights, our new tree has been attacked by vandals. I cannot believe that someone has broken its branches. What sense is there in that? What fun does anyone get out of it?”

Councillor Curran continued, “Down District Council has recently completed a £3million public realm scheme in Downpatrick, and we secured funding to invest in an impressive new tree for our County town this year. This was the ‘icing on the cake’ to have a new modern, Christmas tree which the people of Downpatrick could be proud of. It will now cost our ratepayers money to replace the missing branches. We are hoping that this new sustainable tree would be seen in the town centre for a few more years to come, but if this behaviour continues, I regret to think what our tree will look like next year. This area is monitored by CCTV cameras and we will be asking the police to check the footage with the aim of identifying those responsible. I am appealing to the young people of our town not to vandalise the tree or our Christmas lights. This is a key feature of our Christmas decorations for everyone in Downpatrick to enjoy over the festive season. I would urge anyone with information about the vandalism to contact the police.”

The Chairperson of the new Downpatrick Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Quail was also very disappointed to learn of the damage which has been caused to the Christmas tree, “This Christmas tree belongs to the people and the businesses of Downpatrick and vandalising the tree is a despicable and wreckless act. Some people in Downpatrick have commented to me that they feel sad, angry and puzzled over these acts of vandalism.”

Anyone who has information about the vandalism to the Christmas tree should call 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.