Friends of The Byes thank community for support after memorial tree vandalised

Sidmouth's Friends of The Byes has thanked the community for its support after a special memorial tree was snapped in half by vandals over the weekend.

The Byes Riverside Park is run by the Friends of The Byes, East Devon District Council (EDDC) and the National Trust.

All three organisations have condemned the vandalism and are asking members of the public for any information they may have on the incident.

Sidmouth Nub News caught up with Friends of The Byes' Volunteer Coordinator Kati FitzHenry to find out how the group feel about the recent act of vandalism and how the community has responded.

"Sometimes when a tree snaps we can tape it up and repair it but this tree was too mature," said Kati.

"We'll cut it back and see if it grows back, we may need to replace it. I'm saddened by the fact this has happened but we've had lots of support from the community.

"We're hoping this sad incident will prompt more people to get involved with nature. The more involved with nature you become the less likely you are to damage trees, because you know how much work is involved with looking after them."

The family who own the memorial tree has now been informed of the incident and plans are afoot to replace the tree, if necessary.

A number of private donations have been made to the Friends of The Byes to pay for the damage caused.

Kati said: "We don't expect help but any donations will be gratefully received. If the money donated exceeds the cost of repairing or replacing the tree will use that money to plant more trees."

A spokesperson for EDDC said: "We are extremely disappointed and saddened to hear of this vandalism and would advise the owners of the tree to report it to the police. The memorial trees are requested and paid for through the Friends of the Byes and are the responsibility of the owners. East Devon District Council gives permission for the location of such trees."

A National Trust spokesperson commented: "We're dismayed to see a memorial tree vandalised in this manner and will assist any enquiries as needed."

Friends of The Byes are asking anyone who has information on the incident to get in touch via the group's Facebook page, found by clicking the red button below, or contact the police's non-emergency number, 101.