PARISH councillors have spoken of their disgust after vandals hacked down a memorial tree erected in memory of a fellow councillor who died two years ago.

Old Marston Parish Council’s Mortimer Hall recreation ground has been the site of repeated vandal attacks in recent weeks.

Trees have been cut down or hacked with an axe, including the memorial tree put up to remember community stalwart Roy Jones who died in May 2014 aged 78.

As well as the willow memorial tree being destroyed, a picnic bench and gate were also damaged in the attack, and police are now investigating.

Marston councillor Mick Haines said he was outraged by what had happened.

He said: “It is horrible. It is absolutely disgusting.

“To have Roy Jones’ tree chopped down like this is just scandalous.

“That was paid for from the community budget and we had a proper service for him and his widow must be really choked up about it.

“It’s only recently I have heard about vandalism happening and it seems like they were targeting the parish council. They have done a proper job on cutting the trees.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw it and for that to happen, I just couldn’t believe it.

“It was horrible because for years nothing had happened and then suddenly for the last few weeks this has been happening.

“I think I would support having CCTV cameras there. Something has got to be done.”

Parish council clerk Tim Cann has also backed introducing security cameras.

He said: “It looks like they started to cut them down before giving up, and a gate has come off its hinges.

“A picnic bench has been damaged and the memorial willow has been hacked up.

“My first thought was it was someone or kids who didn’t have anything better to do but it just seems a bit more than that.

“To throw an axe like that you need a fair amount of strength.

“This has never happened before.

“Security will be on the agenda at the next meeting and possibly using CCTV cameras.”

Thames Valley Police said they were aware of multiple reports of vandalism and they were investigating.

Spokesperson Jessica Rodgerson said: “Local neighbourhood teams have been out following up reports of vandalism in Boults Lane Playing Field, Marston and Mortimer Hall Park, Marston earlier this week.

“We would urge anyone with any concerns or information about these incidents to call police on 101, or speak to an officer out on patrol.”