RESIDENTS AT a development in Maguiresbridge have been left seething after an oak tree in the area planted by residents was hacked down overnight.
The oak tree, in the Coolcrannel Square area of the village was the centrepiece of a communal area which is maintained by occupants of the 26 houses there.
Around 20 children use the communal area – and on Tuesday morning, yesterday, awoke to find that the oak tree, thought to be around 15ft – 20ft, had been hacked down overnight.
The tree was planted as a sapling 11 years ago, and has been managed by the neighbours.
“Whenever the houses were built, and the first residents moved in, we planted the tree in the centre of the green. All the kid go out and play in it, we grew attached to it,” explained Nollaig Armstrong, a resident.
“We woke up and couldn’t believe it. It was here last night at 12.30 as one of the neighbours saw it. Were just all very upset.”
“All the children were out before they went to school and couldn’t believe that anyone could do something so terrible. The whole community is shocked as there’s never any trouble here,” she added.
A police spokesman said: “Police attended a report of criminal damage at the Coolcrannel Square, Maguiresbridge area this morning (Tuesday September 2).
“Sometime between midnight and 8am, it was reported that an oak tree had been cut down. Enquiries are continuing.
“Police are appealing to anyone with any information, or who saw anything suspicious at the Coolcrannel Square area in the early hours of this morning to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.”
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