CCTV reveals cause of tree damage in Lancaster city centre

CCTV footage of a dog tearing bark from trees in Lancaster city centre - which also identifies the owner - has been passed to Lancashire Police.
Damage to trees in Market SquareDamage to trees in Market Square
Damage to trees in Market Square

Protective netting has been wrapped around the trees in Market Square and Cheapside following the incident last week.

Green Party Coun Dave Brookes, who represents Castle Ward, said it is an offence to damage trees in a Conservation area.

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Coun Brookes said: “Some of the trees have had a lot of bark removed, which could severely weaken or even kill them.

The tree protection added to trees in Market SquareThe tree protection added to trees in Market Square
The tree protection added to trees in Market Square

“The recent heatwave demonstrated how valuable city centre trees are for providing shade.

“It is difficult to understand why anyone would attack trees, but this level of damage cannot be accidental.”

A spokesman for Lancaster City Council said: “You may notice that protective netting has been added to trees on Cheapside and Market Square in Lancaster.

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“This is due to some damage that has taken place over the last couple of weeks, which has seen bark being stripped from the trees.

“We’re studying our CCTV system to try and find those responsible and also looking into some long term tree guards that will prevent similar problems in the future.

“We’ll be monitoring the trees closely too in case the damage affects their health.”

The council added this week: “We have footage from our CCTV of a dog causing the damage, which also identifies the owner, and this has been passed to the police.”