A distraught mother has hit out at mindless vandals who destroyed a tree planted in memory of her daughter for the second time in three years

Valerie O'Hare replaced the tree in Albany Gardens, Clacton, after it was smashed soon after it was planted.

Even before that, the memorial plaque had also been broken off. Now the second tree has also been wrecked and Mrs O'Hare said enough was enough.

"We will not be putting another one up in the gardens and I shall take the plaque home and put it in my son's garden," she said.

"I feel very sorry for the residents of Clacton who have to put up with this and also disappointed that they can see this happen, without reporting it to the police."

Frances O'Hare, 29, who lived in Skelmersdale Road in the town, died of a heart attack in 1998.

Her mother, who now lives in Hounslow, Middlesex, said her daughter loved Clacton, as did the whole family.

"We support the lifeboat and made a donation in Franki's memory," she added.

Tendring councillor Pierre Oxley said that he knew of at least two others which had been vandalised in the gardens.

Published Thursday, January 23, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette