THOUGHTLESS vandals targeted a community Christmas tree and left it in such a dangerous condition it had to be taken down– less than a week after it was put up.

Ferryhill Town Council installed a tree at the Surtees Doorstep Green play area, at Ferryhill Station, for the first time this year.

But the authority was forced to remove it after just six days in situ.

Electric cables providing lights on the tree were snapped as part of the criminal damage which meant the tree was left in a dangerous condition.

The council decided, on health and safety grounds, to removed the tree altogether.

It has since been relocated in the Memorial Garden, at Duncombe Cemetery.

The vandalism came as a bitter blow to the council, as its events sub-committee had recently decided to extend the town's festive decorations into new locations as part of an enhanced festive programme and made this– at the recently regenerated play area– the first step.

Ferryhill Town Mayor David Farry said members and officers were very disappointed and will now have to reconsider what sites to decorate in future.

Councillor Farry added: “It is with deep regret that Ferryhill Town Council has had to take the decision to remove the Christmas tree located at the Surtees Doorstep Green at Ferryhill Station.

"The Town Council had hoped that providing a Christmas tree at the Doorstep Green would be the first stage in extending the town’s Christmas lighting provision to other parts of the town.

"Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out, and the town council will now be reviewing its Christmas lighting plans for future years.”