TREES that were planted in the grounds of an Acocks Green pub hav become the target of vandals.
Brendon Daly, landlord of the Inn on the Green, decided to add some greenery to the pub's forecourt last year.
But the garden area started to attract the wrong sort of attention and since August there have been six instances of trees being stolen or pulled from the soil.
Despite the setbacks, one group of local residents have refused to admit defeat and recently bought a red flowering hawthorn to replace the latest casualty.
Julia Larden, chair of the Acocks Green Focus Group, said: "We were really concerned when we heard about Brendon's trees. More trees are exactly what we need for the centre of Acocks Green.
"The Inn on the Green is a very central focal point in Acocks Green. It hasn't looked this good in years, and Brendon has been very supportive to local groups and the council, in their efforts to improve Acocks Green."
Brendon arrived at the Westley Road pub three years ago and thought that the foliage would improve the look of the grounds. He is frustrated by the acts of vandalism.
"It is a real shame there are a few mindless idiots who do not want The Green to change.
"Altogether we have had six trees pulled out and, of those, lost three. But we will persist in doing our part to help Acocks Green change for the better."
The Focus Group want to hear how local people think The Green could be improved. Survey is available online at www.acocksgreenfocusgroup.org.uk or from the bar at the Inn on the Green.
