One of Ongar's landmark trees has been sprayed with blue and silver graffiti in an act of thoughtless vandalism.

The damage to the copper beech tree which spreads its branches over Ongar's Pleasance Garden was discovered last week by local parish councillor and conservation volunteer Bob MacDonald, who reported it to police.

Described as the favourite tree of townspeople and country walkers alike, the beech had a section of last year's award-winning Aspects of the History of Ongar book devoted to it.

Along with 26 others located in and around Ongar, it was identified as one of the town's landmark trees.

Said Mr MacDonald: "This is one of the most-loved trees in Ongar. It is a very historic tree locally. Poems have been written about it."

By contrast, the vandal's design highlights the initials DW in blue and silver spray paint.

Warning that the spray paint could present an eyesore "for generations to come" Mr MacDonald said: "This is criminal damage in the same way as somebody breaking a shop window. It is damage to the life of the tree. Any treatment is going to have to be very sensitive.

"One problem is that the bark is smooth, thin and very delicate. Repairing the damage will require sensitive specialist treatment."

He added: "Graffiti is bad enough on bus shelters and walls, but when somebody spoils a beautiful and ancient tree then I'm lost for words.

"That's the frightening thing about graffiti. It takes 10 seconds to do it, but months to clear up."

According to Mr MacDonald, the cost of repairs could run to hundreds of pounds, and is likely to have to be funded by the parish council.

An Epping Forest Countrycare volunteer himself, Mr MacDonald worked on the renovation of the Castle footpath close to where the tree stands.

Appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information that could help catch the vandal, he pointed out that the 'DW' tag may be known to people locally.

Police - who keep a database of known graffiti tags - are currently investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Epping Police on 01992 561212.

Ongar parish councillor and Epping Forest Countrycare worker Bob MacDonald surveys the graffiti that has sparked outrage locally

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