MINDLESS yobs have chopped down a Christmas tree in the latest act of vandalism which is wrecking Bolton's festive decorations.

A tall fir tree was felled by vandals on Church Street, Blackrod, and although council workmen have managed to put it back up, it is now shorter than it was.

The BEN has already highlighted the problem of vandalism plaguing the town's seasonal efforts to boost the Christmas spirit. Other acts of vandalism include stealing Christmas decorations and Christmas lights.

Bolton Council's chairman of leisure services Cllr Gerald Riley blasted the minority who spoiled Christmas for the others.

He fumed: "It never fails to amaze me that there are such stupid and thoughtless people.

"It not only ruins Christmas for others, it is positively dangerous to mess around with lights wired to an electric current. When the council tries to inject a nice Christmas spirit into the town, it faces that mindless minority."

The council spends thousands of pounds on Christmas trees and decorations not only in the town centre but also in all the districts around Bolton, including on traffic islands and in prominent places.

Director of leisure services Peter Stybelski appealed for people to respect the efforts of the council to improve Bolton's environment.

Anyone who spots vandalism should ring the council on 01204 522311 or contact the police.

Meanwhile, sick thieves are targeting the bereaved by stealing Christmas wreaths from graves.

Clifford Jennings was stunned this week to discover two wreaths he and his wife had put on relatives' graves had been stolen in the space of just one week.

Disgraceful

Now Mr Jennings, who lives in Radcliffe, is appealing for help in catching the thieves and would also like to know if anyone else has experienced the same as his family.

The thefts from Farnworth Cemetery on Cemetery Road, Farnworth, are the latest in a long line.

Already a rose bush has been stolen off his sister in law's grave and a pot for flowers has gone missing too.

"It's absolutely disgraceful," he said. "It's like grave robbing. It makes you wonder how low these people can stoop."

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