Commemorative tree trashed

Allander Park, vandals took the tree which was recently planted
. — Allander Park, vandals took the tree which was recently planted .

The 19 foot tall golden willow was planted on February 16 this year in Allander Park, Milngavie, to celebrate the recent agreement in Paris on climate change.

Members of the group were very disappointed when they were told that the tree had disappeared and that the vandals had even gone to the lengths of burning the remaining stump after they cut it down.

They were dismayed to later find out that the tree had been dumped in the Allander Water.

East Dunbartonshire Council helped to identify a suitable spot in the park for the tree and planted it - with the tree intended to be a lasting legacy.

The council suggested that a golden willow was agood choice because where it was planted is a flood plain and and the tree would help soak up excess water.

Fiona McGregor, a member of Cairns Church, said: “It’s very disappointing.

“We were going to plant a few more trees but because this one lasted for only one month we are not so keen now to go ahead.”

Police Scotland are aware of the incident and are conducting enquires into the circumstances.

At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 196 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal.

Due to come into force in 2020, it sets out a global action plan to avoid dangerous climate change and limit global warming.

Governments agreed a long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, to aim to limit the increase to 1.5°C, since this would significantly reduce risks and the impacts of climate change - with a need for global emissions to peak as soon as possible.

It was accepted that this would take longer for developing countries.

Rosemary Booth of Cairns Church Peace and Justic Group said: “Global warming is particularly damaging to poorer nations and much remains to be done but the agreement was a significant step that allows us to keep hope alive for the future of our planet and for all the life forms it supports.

“This agreement showed that nations can work together to overcome difficulties.”