CCTV cameras are being installed near Southport’s Christmas tree after it was targeted by vandals.
The damage has already been repaired and the sparkling festive lights are back on after swift work by contractors Illumidex UK Ltd.
The illuminated tree, in the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street, and other festive decorations around Southport town centre are provided each year by Southport BID. They provide much-needed cheer to local families and a feelgood factor to help support local businesses.
The damage was done yesterday daytime, after vandals used tools to break through metal fencing surrounding the festive attraction before working to vandalise it and cause as much damage as they could.
Merseyside Police is investigating the incident. Officers are keen to speak to two men in hi-vis jackets who were spotted at the scene yesterday.
Anyone with any information about the attack is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimsstoppers anonymously on 0800 55111.
Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “Southport’s Christmas tree and the decorations we have throughout the town centre are provided by the BID each year, thanks to the contributions through local businesses.
“We supply them in order to bring some festive cheer to our town for families and to encourage people to come and spend money in town while enjoying their experience.
“Damaging Southport’s decorations is ultimately damaging local businesses, because it means we have to pay for the repairs.
“Whoever it was who vandalised the Christmas tree knew what they were doing. They arrived with tools and caused as much damage as they could.
“Thankfully the damage has now been repaired. But we would ask anyone with any information to please call Merseyside Police.
“We also ask people in the town centre to be vigilant and to report any concerns they have either directly with Merseyside Police or through staff at the Remedy cafe in the Town Hall Gardens.
“Anyone found responsible for causing damage will be prosecuted.”
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