SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council chief executive, Tony Doyle, has expressed his disappointment on behalf of the community, after vandals damaged the newly installed fairy lights in Gray Street.

Mr Doyle said it was reported to Council on Tuesday that damage had been done to the lights on five trees.

He said Council already had an electrical contractor making repairs and hopefully all lights would be working again soon.

“Some tree lights will be a quick fix, but others will take a little longer,” Mr Doyle said.

The damage is the second time in two weeks that public property has been affected in the CBD, following graffiti attacking people who voted ‘Yes’ in the referendum.

Mr Doyle called on the perpetrators to be more considerate towards the community and “not do this again”. 

“These lights have been long sought after by our community, and in the short time since being installed, they have created much joy,” he said.

“A large crowd came along to the official ‘turning on of the lights’ recently, with the children, in particular, enthusiastically participating in the countdown.”

The trees in question were in the vicinity of Beatties Newsagency, and the wires on the lower trunk and limbs showed evidence of being cut and/or ripped.

Several community members on social media were outraged after Council posted about the crime, with comments hoping the perpetrator(s) would be caught.

“Absolutely SO DISRESPECTFUL!!!! SO ANGRY FOR OUR COMMUNITY!!!!!”

“So disappointing. Hope the vandals get caught.”

“Name and Shame if the perpetrators are caught. Gutless wonders!! Face the community and let’s see how you like it!”

Another said they were sadly not surprised by the act, claiming, “told ya, did not even make it to November”.

Mr Doyle said Council had informed police and was investigating CCTV footage that might be available from the time of the vandalism.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the police.