Vandals snap tree branches in community orchard

Trees have been left damaged after vandals targeted a community orchard in a popular park in Leeds.

Branches were snapped during a spate of anti-social behaviour at the site in Chapeltown's Potternewton Park, which is home to the city's annual West Indian Carnival.

Apples, pears and cherries are grown in the orchard, set up about 10 years ago by Leeds City Council and charities, including Feed Leeds.

A council spokesperson said ways of protecting the site were discussed at a recent community meeting.

The spokesperson said: "In recent months, Potternewton Park orchard has seen several incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"All parties are committed to ensuring that the community orchard within Potternewton Park remains a valuable community asset."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the meeting called for ideas to help more people benefit from the orchard.

A poster advertising the meeting said: "It should be a space where residents can enjoy the space and see apples, pears and cherry trees flourish now and for the future."

The council said vandalism could be reported online via its anti-social activity page.

The spokesperson added: "Local ward members and council officers attended a constructive meeting with the community and stakeholders.

"Future options to improve the site are under consideration and will be collaboratively developed with the community."

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