COUNCIL chiefs have warned the borough's Christmas trees could be left without lights after a spate of vandalism.

The festive spirit could be dampened if decorations on the two trees in Weymouth and Portland have to be removed permanently because yobs ripped them off, causing £400 worth of damage.

They pulled apart rope lights, took garlands and tampered with decorations on the 25-feet tall Norwegian spruce tree in Easton Square, Portland,

They also pulled off decorations and damaged lights to the tree in New Bond Street in Weymouth town centre.

And council bosses are now saying if the vandalism happens again they will have no choice but to turn the lights off and remove them to stop costs spiralling.

Weymouth and Portland Borough council Councillor Anne Thomas said: "The people who carried out this damage should be ashamed of themselves as it spoils the festive cheer that so many of us enjoy at this time of year.

"It is a sad reflection when local business sponsors, Weymouth HiFi and Southwell Business Park, work with the council to enhance the festive atmosphere of the borough, then have it marred by a few mindless vandals who spoil it."

Police are looking at CCTV footage from outside Debenhams in New Bond Street to identify the vandals causing damage to Weymouth's Christmas Tree.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said they were investigating the incidents.

He said: "We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour. It is mindless vandalism that ends up spoiling Christmas for people who get a lot of enjoyment looking at the trees."

If anyone has information about the vandalism or sees anyone damaging either of the tree they should contact police immediately on (01305) 767474.