Locals stunned as vandals destroy orchard

RUINED . . . the community orchard at Grotton Linear Park

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RESIDENTS in Grotton have been left stunned after several community fruit trees were destroyed by "mindless vandals".

The fruit route, which launched in March 2014, links Alexandra Park, Glodwick, Clarksfield, Lees, and Springhead with a path lined with fruit trees and leads to a 100-tree community orchard.

The "sustainably planted food resource", aims to encourage healthy eating by allowing people to grab a healthy snack fresh from the tree and provides an outdoor space for residents to exercise in.

Springhead resident Steven Croft discovered the vandalism on Friday while out walking through the community orchard in Grotton.

Steven (53) said: "I was shocked when I saw it.

"A total of seven trees had been damaged beyond repair.

"The trees had been snapped in two and destroyed."

He added that he reported the damage to Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police and is hoping someone will come forward with information about the damage.

He said "The orchard and fruit route are fantastic facilities for the community.

"It would be a big loss to the area and the residents who use the fruit route ­- myself included ­- if it was destroyed by mindless vandals.

"Someone must know something about what happened to these trees and I hope people with information will come forward so we can catch the person or people responsible."

A spokesman for Oldham Council confirmed they were made aware of the vandalism over the weekend.

He said: "The trees will be removed and the police have been informed.

"If we are going to carry out replanting, it will be in the autumn."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the council on 0161-770 4056 or via email at environmentalservices@oldham.gov.uk.