WESTON Town Council has said that it is "disheartened" following the extensive vandalism of the High Street's trees.

The 10 Ginkgo biloba trees were planted from March this year in the hopes that they would help to mitigate carbon and improve residents' mood.

Whilst the council did expect some vandalism, it has said that the level of damage has exceeded its expectations.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from Weston Town Council said: "Weston Tree and Plant Group share an update on the condition of the trees lining our High Street.

"Recent incidents of vandalism have left us disheartened, particularly given the extensive damage suffered by the trees. While we were prepared for some level of vandalism, the severity exceeded our expectations. Although the damaged cages have been repaired, the unfortunate consequence is that six trees now require replacement.

"The financial costs for each tree was - a protective cage costs £500.00, the associated groundwork (hole and gravel) is priced at £250.00, and the trees amount to £250.00 each.

"Despite our best efforts, a more vandal-resistant option was not feasible within our budget constraints. The funding for these trees were provided by the Civic Society, Weston Town Council, and North Somerset Council.

"During the warm summer months, a dedicated contractor ensures that the trees receive adequate care, being watered twice a week and kept free from weeds. Our hope is that the Forest of Avon Trust will contribute replacement Ginkgo trees in a larger size, which could potentially deter vandals.

"If this support is not forthcoming, we will explore funding options for larger Ornamental Pear trees, akin to those already on the High Street near Coffee #1.

"These trees not only bloom with spring flowers but also display stunning autumnal hues.

"You might be wondering, why invest in trees for the High Street? Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the Woodland Trust informs us that trees play a crucial role in mitigating carbon. They don't just remove carbon from the atmosphere; they sequester it, locking it away for centuries. Moreover, trees contribute significantly to our physical and mental well-being.

"Research has consistently shown that exposure to trees alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression, significantly improving our overall quality of life."