Man charged with damaging newly planted trees to help with social distancing in Cardiff

Trees damaged in Cardiff City Centre
The trees had not been in place for more than 24 hours in the city centre. Credit: Oliver Coplestone

A 31-year-old man has been arrested after a number of newly planted trees were damaged in Cardiff.

The man has been charged for causing criminal damage to the trees on Wellfield Road, Roath on June 28. The trees were placed alongside the road to help aid social distancing after the pavements were extended.

The trees had been planted on Wellfield Road to help with social distancing Credit: Oliver Copleston

The Pentwyn man has been bailed with conditions not to enter Wellfield Road and is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on July 30.

Cardiff Council's leader called it a "distressing and depressing start to the week".

Huw Thomas said: "Although only temporary on Wellfield Road, we planned to re-plant these trees in areas of low canopy cover in Cardiff. So sad. And this comes on top of the tons of litter left at Roald Dahl Plass on Friday. What is wrong with some people?"