A community is outraged after a newly planted tree was broken in half. Traders and residents in Bond Street, Brighton, were horrified to discover on Friday morning that the silver birch had been snapped in two. The planting of the tree, alongside two Japanese cherry blossoms in North Laine this spring, marked the beginning of a campaign by the North Laine Community Association (NLCA) to make the area a greener place. Denise Taylor, who works nearby and has been watering the tree, said she was devastated to see it broken. "How has this happened?" She said. "Who could have done this? I can't believe it." The broken tree was discovered on Friday (Image: Sue Delafons) Passersby and traders in the street spoke of their sadness. "It has been lovely having the tree across the street and it is so sad that it won't now get to mature," said one. "This part of the city has so little green and it was good to see a new tree here. Someone put a bowl out for dogs' drinking water so it was already getting used in different ways." Another said: "Such a shame, a mindless act of vandalism, ruining things for everyone else. "This is one of our favourite streets and it's a beautiful site for the tree." A trader said: "It's crazy, we have been enjoying helping to water the tree and seeing people sitting outside the café in the shade, why would someone do this? "Don't stop planting because of one deranged person - hundreds of people walk down the street every day and it had survived so far." The tree before it was damaged (Image: Sue Delafons) Sue Delafons, who is leading the campaign for the NLCA, said this incident would not stop the group continuing with its work and said "watch this space" for updates. "Trustees are committed to contributing to this vital initiative for the future of North Laine and for those who live, work and visit here," she said. "We have had many expressions of support to date and even more today. "NLCA have contributed from their own funds for planting by the council and helpful advice has been given by the Plant Your Postcode charity, which has supported other schemes around Brighton and Hove. "NLCA are currently awaiting the results of a survey by the council to assess feasibility and costs for further planting and will be looking for local support and sponsorship to help green the heart of our city further."
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