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• Did you spot illegal tree fellers?

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Vandals who hacked down trees in a community woodland in Knowsley are being hunted by the police.

On or around Friday, August 10th, 45 young and semi mature trees were illegally felled in Syders Grove, Knowsley Village, by environmental criminals believed to be in possession of stolen chainsaws.

As a result of this criminal damage, an area the size of a tennis court has been cleared of trees.

The vandalism took place on the woodland path between Sugar Lane and Frederick Lunt Avenue, and now both the police and Knowsley Council are keen to hear from anyone who has information which may help trace the culprits.

Barry Fletcher, Chair of the Friends of Knowsley Village Woodlands, condemned the illegal felling and said: “When we discovered the damage that had been done in Syders Grove, we were devastated.

“These vandals have hacked down nearly 50 trees including a mature sycamore tree which was probably about 70 years old and they have destroyed part of a beautiful community woodland without a thought for anyone but themselves.

“Not only is this unsightly and totally unacceptable in terms of public safety, but it will have a significant impact on woodland wildlife. We are currently talking to the council’s community forest officer and exploring opportunities that may allow us to carry out some replacement planting of native trees later in the year.”

Police also suspect that the vandals may be connected to a recent spate of chainsaw thefts in the area over recent months.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture, said: “These people are using highly dangerous equipment which they clearly have little or no knowledge of how to operate safely.

“Chainsaws should only be used by qualified operatives with full protective equipment. A small slip could easily mean losing a leg, or worse. If you think you might be the parents of those responsible or know who was involved – for their sake, we ask that you report your suspicions to the police before they commit more crime and potentially get seriously injured.”

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in or around Syders Grove community woodland in Knowsley Village around Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, august 10, 11 and 12, is asked to contact Prescot Neighbourhood Wardens on 443 4692, the police on 709 6010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 489 6000. 

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