Queen's Commemorative Tree Destroyed at Local Park

Shock after a black poplar badly vandalised at Brent Lodge Park

A special tree to commemorate the Queen's diamond jubilee has been destroyed at Brent Lodge Park.

The black poplar was one of a number donated to the London boroughs last year by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir David Brewer.

It was planned that the tree would be a focal point for the borough's jubilee celebrations when Ealing Mayor, Councillor Mohammad Aslem, unveiled a diamond jubilee plaque.

However, park rangers were shocked to discover yesterday that the tree had been deliberately snapped in half and wasn't salvageable.

There were fears that the ceremony on Sunday would have to be cancelled, but a replacement tree has been found, just in time.

Council Leader Julian Bell said:

''I was personally shocked and disappointed to hear that someone had destroyed the black poplar tree.

''Fortunately we have been able to find a replacement to ensure that the unveiling of the Diamond Jubilee commemorative plaque will go ahead.''

31st May 2012