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Councillors have warned Blackwood Market’s Christmas tree could be taken down if vandals continue to attack it.

The tree, which is a real conifer and is more than 3.6m (12ft) in height, was put up at the end of November – but branches have already been broken and lights pulled off.

Blackwood Town Council paid for the tree, which cost more than £300 from Blackwood Garden Centre.

It’s the first time in decades a Christmas tree has been put up in the market square.

Blackwood’s independent councillor Kevin Etheridge described the vandals’ actions as “sad and disappointing”.

Cllr Etheridge, who has written to Gwent Police and community safety wardens about the antisocial behaviour, said CCTV footage has been looked at to identify those behind the damage.

He said: “There are three youths in particular. This is not acceptable and I just find it sad that it has come to this.”

“The community council and town mayor George Edwards have tried to do something for the children.

“It’s only been up two weeks and it was already damaged within a week.

“It they keep doing this to the tree it’ll have to be taken away.”

CCTV funding in Blackwood

Eighteen new digital cameras have been installed by Caerphilly County Borough Council in and around Blackwood town centre to replace older CCTV.

The new cameras provide higher quality images and have been funded through Gwent Police’s Safer Streets initiative.

In total, £51,000 has been spent on the cameras.