Trees planted as part of the ongoing public realm scheme works in Enniskillen have been vandalised in the Co Fermanagh town.
Work on the £5.2 million Enniskillen Public Realm Scheme is ongoing with the final phase of the project expected to be completed in the coming months.
The scheme, which is funded by the Department for Communities and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, is enhancing the appearance of the town centre with improvements to footpaths, street lighting, landscaping and street furniture.
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However the council confirmed a tree planted as part of the scheme will now have to be replaced after an incident in the town at the weekend.
The local council condemned the actions of those responsible.
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council can confirm that a tree was damaged recently and the incident is currently being investigated,” a spokesperson said.
“The damaged tree will be replaced in due course.
“The Council deplores any form of vandalism and the destruction of the tree undermines the great work being done as part of the Enniskillen Public Realm project.
“The Council would ask that those responsible would desist from this wanton destruction of public property. The damage has been reported to PSNI.
“It is unfortunate that the Council must now consider additional measures to help protect the trees against vandalism and deliberate destruction.”
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