Chainsaw yob attacks estate trees

The aftermath of the chainsaw attack

A CHAINSAW-wielding yob launched a mindless attack on trees at the Eldon Street Estate.

The council is appealing for information after elderly residents saw a man in a hooded top brandishing a petrol-powered chainsaw close to shops in Ashton Road.

When First Choice Homes staff went to investigate, they found a whitebeam tree, thought to be around 30-years-old, had been sliced through the trunk and left to fall.

The yob also attempted to cut down another tree without success before fleeing the scene.

Councillor Mark Alcock is Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for citizens and neighbourhoods.

He said: “This is a totally mindless act of vandalism in a quiet area which I find almost unbelievable. I am at a loss to understand what motivates someone to brandish a chainsaw and attack trees like this in broad daylight in a quiet community.

“Residents were alerted when they heard the revving noises from the chainsaw.

“They reported it to us but we do not have a very clear description of the offender.

“Council officers have since visited the site and had the fallen tree removed.

“A replacement will now be planted in the winter.

“We are hopeful that the other damaged tree may recover but the overall cost of this mindless act – including the stump-grinding, removal, replacement, planting and aftercare — is in the region of £400 to taxpayers.

“Worse still, this must have been a terrifying sight for local residents to witness.

“I would urge any member of the public who may have more information to contact police.”

Any witnesses to the incident, which happened at 6pm on Tuesday, should call police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.

Alternatively, contact Matthew Moss, the council’s assistant arboricultural manager, on 0161-770 2043.