Vandals strike at memorial trees

Yobs have been a constant problem for around a month at the community centre in Shepherd's Close where the nursery meets.

Staff arrive most mornings to find graffiti daubed on the doors and windows and broken glass and plant pots scattered around outside.

They were shocked to arrive on Tuesday morning to find trees planted in memory of the former pupils tipped over and pulled from the pots.

Both boys have died in the past three-to-five years and staff thought planting trees would be an appropriate tribute.

Nursery manager Sheila Keane said: "It was very distressing. I remember Nicholas and Samuel very well and it was a great shock to find their trees desecrated like this.

"They used to have plaques on them but they went missing. I want whoever has done this to realise what those plants meant and regret their actions. Maybe it will shame them into stopping."

She added: "It's been a constant pain. There's a clear-up every morning.

"Luckily we know a chap who comes in and cleans up the graffiti but it's not a pleasant job. I don't understand where the fun is in destroying things.

"We have a few plant pots which our children have planted and they are routinely kicked over (pictured). When we've replanted them the vandals come back and finish the job by treading the plants into the tarmac so they die."

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