“Senseless” vandals ripped trees meant to improve the area “to shreds” within hours of their planting.

Watford parks got new greenery earlier this month after a borough council consultation concluded it would improve the environment and residents' quality of life.

However, within hours of six trees being planted in Leavesden Green Recreation Ground, they were all vandalised. One of the planters told the Watford Observer that kids had “destroyed them all, ripped them to shreds, and tore them apart”.

He added that he could not understand the destruction and said it was dispiriting to see the work ruined for no reason, particularly as the council would have to pay again for trees to replace them instead of using the money for other causes.

Councillor Tim Williams said: “The recent act of senseless vandalism at Leavesden Green Recreation Ground is deeply disheartening.

“Over the past year, the council in collaboration with the local residents' association, has been enhancing the open space —installing new pathways, signage, biodiversity zones, and trees to elevate this communal space.

Watford Observer: The destroyed trees in Leavesden Green Recreation Ground.The destroyed trees in Leavesden Green Recreation Ground. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

“Witnessing the newly planted trees destroyed within hours is truly disappointing for everyone involved."

He added that the council is committed to enhancing the park and will therefore be planting new trees to replace the destroyed ones. Cllr Williams also encouraged anyone with information about the vandalism to report it to police.

Leavesden Green Residents' Association chairman Adrian Constable said: “One of the more obvious things a residents' association can do is to help improve the local environment.

Watford Observer: Cllr Tim Williams and Watford mayor Peter Taylor planting one of Watford's new trees.Cllr Tim Williams and Watford mayor Peter Taylor planting one of Watford's new trees. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

“As such, Leavesden Green Residents' Association fully supported the planting of these trees and the park’s enhancement.

“We are disappointed to think that other local residents may have been involved in their destruction.”

In total, the town is set to benefit from 50 new trees by the end of March. Many will be planted along the pavement of Watford roads, while Radlett Road Playing Fields, Cassiobury Park, Oxhey Park, Oxhey Green, and Woodside Playing Fields will also benefit.

Watford Observer: The destroyed trees in Leavesden Green Recreation Ground.The destroyed trees in Leavesden Green Recreation Ground. (Image: Watford Borough Council)