THE Silver Fir tree given to the people of Leighton by our twin town Titisee-Neustadt in Germany has been snapped off and killed.

The tree was planted on April 23, 2005, by Councillor Russ Goodchild and Armin Hintersen from Titisee-Neustadt in Parsons Close rec protected by a metal circular cage.

A plaque at its foot proclaims it as a "growing symbol of the growing friendship between our twin towns."

But despite its secure growing place vandals have still attacked it and CCTV failed to identify those responsible.
As a result, a spokesman for the town council said that they may have to reconsider the tree's position, because of the vandalism, before replanting.

He said: "We are very disappointed that this has happened. We made every attempt to protect it. We are planning to replace the tree shortly."

Meanwhile, an LBO reader penned in verse what she thought about the situation.

Eileen Murphy from Vandyke Road wrote to us:
"The plaque remains,
"But what of the tree that once adorned the park?
"Instead, a broken remnant sits sadly in the dark.
"The weeds they now surround this proud but struggling tree
"Given to us in friendship for us all to see."

What do you think about the latest vandalism and is it worth trying again with a bigger stronger tree? Call the LBO newsroom on (01525) 372051 or email sarah.holmes@lbobserver.co.uk.