Christmas 'cancelled' after lights taken from tree

A councillor has said Christmas has been "cancelled" in Chaddesden Park after lights were taken from a tree and thrown in a brook.

Jerry Pearce, councillor for Chaddesden East, said he was told on Wednesday morning some of the lights in Chaddesden Park had been removed from the tree at the same time another tree was damaged and a bench painted with graffiti.

He said the lights were turned on in front of about 400 people on 2 December, but those which remain on the tree would now be turned off as cables had been left exposed.

Derbyshire Police said it was investigating the removal of lights as criminal damage and appealed for witnesses to contact the force.

The force added the criminal damage took place between 16:00 GMT on Tuesday and 10:15 on Wednesday.

Pearce said: "People are wandering around just shaking their heads as they say 'why do this, why spoil Christmas for a lot of people?'"

He said when the lights were put up, a lot of people told him it looked "fantastic", but added a week later it had been "ruined".

"Christmas has been cancelled on Chad Park unfortunately," he added.

Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council cabinet member for streetpride, parks and leisure, said the authority was "disappointed and saddened" by the vandalism.

He added: "The Christmas tree and lights are the result of a dedicated team effort involving ward councillors, the council's local neighbourhood officer, our streetpride team, and local residents.

"The lights were intended to bring Christmas cheer to residents of all ages during the festive season and this mindless vandalism is a disheartening attack on the community and undermines the hard work of everyone involved."

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