“Moronic vandalism” has been blamed for the destruction of a community orchard in Diggle.
Five of eight fruit trees planted in 2016 on land off Sam Road, which survived 2018’s Beast from the East, have been snapped in half.
The incident, which happened last month, has shocked the village and angered Saddleworth Parish Councillor Keith Lucas, who lives in Diggle.
He said: “This act of moronic vandalism is a worrying sign of the lack of community cohesion now evident in Saddleworth.
“These trees were planted by young people from Saddleworth School, youths from Oldham Mahdlo youth group and local supporters.
“The aim was to create a legacy of free fruit on the Diggle tip for the local community to enjoy in a similar fashion to the internationally famous Incredible Edible based in Todmorden.
“The young people involved in the planting were creating a small piece of local history that their future children and grandchildren could enjoy and use.
“They were proud of their involvement and new that in time the whole community would have an asset and landmark that they could share, but louts and fools have now destroyed that.
“I am deeply saddened by this pathetic act of vandalism and would like to apologise to all of the people that brought the project together.”
If they’re caught don’t forget to tell them that they are naughty,