YOUNGSTERS are playing a ‘dangerous game’ setting fire to trees.
Ian Gunning, a Rhyl town and county councillor, said he was worried by reports of teenagers in the Tynewydd fields, where a number of trees have been set on fire.
Cllr Gunning said: “I am really concerned that youngsters as young as 14 years are causing so much damage in this area, the latest incident occurred when one of the oldest and largest trees on the field was set on fire.
“There is considerable damage to the tree which could have ignited adjacent trees and caused potential problems on the adjoining railway line. There was also numerous empty beer cans, bottles and Vodka bottles scattered nearby.”
Cllr Gunning said young people setting fire to trees while under the influence of alcohol could lead to someone getting seriously hurt.
He said: “Our local PCSO does a marvellous job throughout the ward but he can’t be everywhere. We need parents and residents to be more vigilant, if anyone witnesses anyone acting in a disorderly manner in the area please contact North Wales Police immediately.”
Gareth Jones, a spokesman for Keep Wales Tidy, said it was a shame some youngsters were damaging wildlife when so much effort had gone into Rhyl’s Wales in Bloom bid.
He said: “People put a lot of work into cleaning up and moving litter, and also in planting trees, but there are some people trying to ruin it for us.
“A lot of people say there’s nothing for young people to do but there are a lot of youth projects around, and some involve litter picking.”
Mr Jones said he was impressed by the willingness of pupils at Rhyl schools to get involved with environmental projects, and that many young people had a positive impact on the town.
A North Wales Police spokesman confirmed an incident was reported on August 19, after the heartwood of a tree was set on fire, and encouraged any witnesses to call the force on 101.