Christmas tree and flower boxes vandalised in Haydock

On Sunday, November 27, it was reported that the community Christmas tree in Haydock, next to King George Playing Fields on Clipsey Lane, had been vandalised.

With the tree getting residents in the festive spirit, photographs show its branches damaged and colourful lights strewn on the floor, while smaller trees around it were also pushed over.

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The tree has been paid for out of the council's Community Improvement Fund (Image: Catherine Murray)

Further up Clipsey Lane towards Tesco Express, decorated flower boxes have also been damaged and pulled off railings after they were put on display to commemorate Remembrance Day.

This act of vandalism "devastated" Haydock native Stephen Mousell, who put the flowers on display and is well known for his efforts to revamp flower boxes and brighten up the community.

Commemorative flower boxes have also been vandalised in Haydock (Image: Stephen Mousdell)

The acts of vandalism are the latest in a series of anti-social behaviour in Haydock, with police frequently called to reports of nuisance scrambler bikes and deliberate fires being set in King George Playing Fields. 

Haydock Councillor Paul Hooton said the incidents are a blight on the rest of the community who work hard to make Haydock a better place.

Scrambler bikes are reported to have been causing nuisance in Haydock (Image: Merseyside Police)

Cllr Hooton said: "It’s very disappointing that a small minority of people act this way.

"On one hand you have St James’ Cubs and Scouts helping to tidy up Haydock memorial garden in time for Remembrance Day and then you have this senseless vandalism. 

"I feel sorry for Stephen and his partner Kev Poole. They spend so much of their own time selflessly making the community better for everyone.

"For them to this vandalism must be heartbreaking, hopefully it won’t deter them and together with the community they can bounce back and continue to make Haydock better for everyone."

Fires were repeatedly set in King George Playing Fields over the summer (Image: Nikki O'Hara)

Cllr Hooton added that a contractor has been arranged to fix the Christmas tree in the coming days, which is paid for out of the council's community improvement fund.

The community is also waiting on further CCTV cameras as a means to deter the anti-social behaviour that has been reoccurring.