An “idiot” who vandalised a town’s beloved communal Christmas tree has stepped forward to accept responsibility and agree to fund repairs following the incident last weekend.
The festive display on St Peter’s Square in Ruthin, north Wales, suffered damage when someone attempted to climb the evergreen.
It was the third time vandals have targeted the tree, which stands proudly near the town clock, in recent years.
Previous incidents occurred in 2022 and 2023, though the tree escaped harm last Christmas as it had been moved to an alternative location whilst restoration work was carried out on the clock.
The most recent attack left several branches snapped and caused damage to the tree’s crown.
Decorative lighting had also been ripped from the evergreen, adding to the destruction discovered by residents over the weekend.
Councillor Gavin Harris responded to the vandalism by stating: “CCTV camera footage is being reviewed and information will be passed to the police.”
He added: “Ideally, for the idiot or idiots who did this – based on the experience of previous similar incidents – they would be best giving themselves up and agreeing to pay the repairs to avoid further action.”
A man has come forward after climbing the Welsh town of Ruthin’s beloved Christmas tree
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The warning proved effective, with the perpetrator subsequently coming forward to take accountability for their actions.
He said: “Following the social posts and the response of the community on seeing the tree vandalised, the person responsible has admitted guilt and come forward to apologise and will be covering the costs of the repairs.”
Councillor Harris confirmed that the town council team and their contractors had now successfully restored both the tree and its lights.
“Thanks to the Ruthin Town Council team and their contractors, the tree and lights have been repaired,” he said.
The tree suffered damage to its crown, and lights were knocked off during the incident
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The resolution has been warmly received by residents in the historic Welsh town.
One local commented: “Fair does, we all do silly s*** sometimes but respect for him taking accountability.”
“Whoever it is I’m glad he is paying for the repairs,” another added, per North Wales Live.
The saga of Ruthin’s tree comes as a town in County Durham was appalled to discover its community’s own tree had been cut down, just hours after its lights were turned on.
Having stood for decades previously, the tree in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, was chopped down between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday, according to Durham Constabulary.
St. Saviour’s, parish church for the village, said on Facebook: “Late last night it was reported that Shotton Colliery’s Christmas Tree had been cut down. After all the People who gave there time and effort to raise funds to get a Tree for the village.
“This morning, a tree surgeon has looked at the damage and said it’s been done with a chainsaw.
“May the people who caused this be caught and punished by the authorities,” they said.