Croydon Council to replace vandalised memorial tree in Norbury Park

A memorial cherry tree planted in Norbury Park, Croydon, for a guide dog named Star has been destroyed by vandals. Paul Harman, who is visually impaired, discovered the felled tree during his daily walk last Sunday. He had planted the sapling nearly three years ago in memory of his former guide dog, Star, a Labrador-retriever cross, stating that the dog "gave him his life back".

Mr Harman described the vandalism as akin to "someone destroying a grave of a family member" and expressed his devastation. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the act was "pure and utter vandalism" and that the incident had upset many people who knew the tree's significance.

Official Condemnation and Council Action

Croydon Council has committed to replacing the tree. Local councillor Appu Srinivasan described the incident on X as "absolutely heartbreaking and completely unacceptable", adding that there was "no justification for vandalising something that was planted for the enjoyment of our whole community". Croydon's Executive Mayor Jason Perry stated he was "angry and deeply saddened" by the senseless act, noting that its cruelty was amplified by the tree's memorial purpose. He added, "This is not how the vast majority behave in Croydon, and I know the whole community will share my disgust at what has happened."

This is not the first instance of vandalism in Norbury Park. Last summer, the park's cricket pitch was damaged. Lisa Patient, Treasurer of Friends of Norbury Park, expressed sadness for Mr Harman, calling the cherry tree "beautiful" and a "lovely focal point in the park".

Croydon Council will work with Mr Harman and the Friends of Norbury Park group to replace Star's tree during the next planting season.