A group of around 30 youths have trashed parts of K-Woodlands leaving a tree smouldering as they tried to set fire to it.
Management of the not-for-profit organisation took to social media at the weekend to lament the louts, stating that “around 30 youths” had used the woods for a party.
Criticising them for breaking lockdown rules, management also posted pictures to show the damage caused by the group.
Taking to Facebook, they posted: “So disappointed to hear last night that a group of around 30 youths were up in the woodlands drinking, littering and setting fires.
“I’ve arrived this morning and this tree was smouldering. This is totally unacceptable and dangerous.
“People should not be gathering in groups just now, let alone damaging the community woodlands that staff and many volunteers work tirelessly to maintain.
“We are a small charity and this kind of damage also impacts us financially. Glasses were found next to the fire along with litter and broken bottles.”
Former Trust chief executive and local Labour councillor, Monique McAdams, spoke of her disappointment at the damage caused.
She told the East Kilbride News: “K-woodlands has been a real safe haven for individuals, families and the community as a whole to visit and enjoy during the pandemic.
“The Trust is a local charity that has a very big job on their hands to look after this essential community resource. They can’t do it alone.
“It’s why their volunteers are so important to them and also why they need those being irresponsible and selfish to think about others and not just themselves.
“People need to take on board that they are accountable for our own actions and that they need to act responsibly in regards to wildlife, take dog poo and litter away with them – not set fires without permission and, most importantly, not upset the ecology of this wonderful woodland resource.
“I would appeal to the people involved in last weekend’s debacle and the people that know them, to protect the woodlands going forward. If the individuals can’t respect and understand that plea, then if you know who they are please tell their parents and the police”.
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101.
Information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
