FURIOUS Friends of Marsh Park and Lawyers Field have hit out at irresponsible dog owners in Brierley Hill who have been allowing their pets to savage trees.

The dogs have caused such serious damage it is feared several of the trees in Marsh Park may die.

Now the Friends have joined forces with Brierley Hill Civic Society to highlight the problem in the hope it will bring disrespectful dog owners to book.

The attacks have been particularly upsetting because many of the trees in Marsh Park were planted immediately after the First World War in memory of soldiers from Brierley Hill who died during the conflict - a tree for each of the 200 plus who fell.

Tim Lee, a member of Brierley Hill Civic Society, said: "The trees are quite a mess. We wouldn't have believed it ourselves, but a council employee who was cutting the grass in Marsh Park witnessed an attack, when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier was encouraged by its owner to damage the trees and reported it.

"I don't think the owner quite realises how serious the consequences may be and the fact the tree could easily die.

"It's also quite thoughtless of the owner, because if the dog is trained to attack trees - then what next?

"We also think some owners deliberately encourage the attacks because they are training so-called status dogs in an attempt to strengthen their jaws, shoulders and agility."

Brierley Hill councillor Rachel Harris branded the damage "blatant vandalism" and said: "I think it's appalling that anyone would want to treat our trees in such a casual way. These are valuable trees with a long history."

The Friends of Marsh Park and Brierley Hill Civic Society are now working with Dudley Council and other agencies to try and tackle the problem - and they are urging members of the public to report any incidents by calling 0300 555 2345 and speak directly to the Parks Development Department.