Terry Comerford, who is chairman of the Castle Point Residents' Association and a Westham parish councillor, says youths destroyed three black poplars outside his home in Castle Bolton on Monday night (July 28).

The three trees had been planted on land owned by Westham Parish Council.

Cllr Comerford said, "A neighbour knocked on my door with the youths and told me about the incident.

"I asked them where they lived, got a good description and then I phoned the police."

Cllr Comerford said he heard nothing more and when he called back the next morning the police could find no record of his complaint.

"We are just very angry because the police do not seem to be doing anything.

"People say there is a myth that you never see police officers but it is becoming a reality here."

Cllr Comerford says there was a similar incident around three weeks ago.
"It really is quite unacceptable, we are very concerned and as a residents' association we have decided to write a letter to the Chief Constable," he said.

PC Stella Wells said, "This area does not come under Eastbourne and is actually covered by Hailsham.

"I can confirm that a call was made to police on July 28 in relation to trees being targeted.

"The original location appears to have been a little confusing and was incorrectly recorded which was why the call could not be found.

"I can confirm that the serial was passed to Eastbourne due to the location recorded and has been allocated to a PCSO to make contact with Mr Comerford."

Mr Comerford said, "I phoned the main Sussex Police telephone number and I can't see why it should matter whether I live in Wealden or Eastbourne."