A SABOTAGED Christmas tree at Arnside has spoiled the village's festive fun according to a local councillor.

Police are investigating how a 30ft Christmas tree standing at Arnside pier came to have half its branches sawn off and fairy lights cut sometime between December 28 and 29.

Parish councillor Dave Willacy has hit out at the 'mindless vandal' and said this year could be the last time the parish council will buy a Christmas tree to brighten up the sea-side village's pier.

He said: "It just makes all of us on the council think 'why bother'. We've just tried to do something nice at Christmas time but what's the point if this is going to happen."

"As soon as the wind abates we will take the tree down and this could well be the last time we put one up."

Police believe the tree was damaged between 12 midday on Wednesday December 28 and 7am on December 29.

Its lights have been cut causing £100 worth of criminal damage and around 30 branches sawn off and scattered on the ground.

Coun. Willacy said: "We've had bulbs taken in the past from Christmas lights and strewn across the sand but we've never had anything on this scale. It's appalling."

Criminals have also stolen an electrical convertor which helped power the lights.

Police are appealing to witnesses to come forward with any information and officers will be doing house to house calls in the village.

CCTV footage in a nearby post office will be checked to see if any images of offenders attacking the tree have been recorded.

PC Victoria Haley said: "The main wire which connects the lights to the power source has been cut with a sharp implement and the value of this damage is estimated at about £100. The tree has also had some of its lower branches cut off which means the tree will have to be taken down early - therefore ruining the enjoyment the tree has brought to the villagers."

If anyone has any information about this damage then please contact PC Victoria Haley at Cumbria Police on 101

Arnside Christmas tree is paid for by the Albion Community Fund - money collected in The Albion village pub over the year.

It is then given to the parish council who enlist the help of volunteers to collect and decorate it.