NINE saplings planted as part of the Calne town centre development have been destroyed by vandals.

North Wiltshire District Council planted the young trees in the Library Gardens next to the River Marden two months ago.

Sometime after 10pm on Saturday, three of the trees were pulled out of the ground and left outside the new multi-million pound library.

The remaining six were snapped in half and also put in front of the library.

Calne businessman David Syms said he could not believe his eyes when he saw the trees on Sunday morning.

"This is a real shame. I reported it to the town council. I just wanted to know what was going on.

"If the trees are replaced how long will they last this time?" Mr Sims said.

Mark Wilkins, town centre manager said the council was very disappointed by what it had seen.

"It is very sad that someone finds it funny to rip up trees and break others, especially after all the work that has been done in the town centre," said Mr Wilkins.

The town council is now speeding up the installation of a town centre CCTV system with four cameras.

The district council confirmed it would replace the trees, at a cost of £200.