Closed circuit TV will be used in a bid to catch vandals who have tried to ruin Basildon's town centre Christmas tree.
The lights on the 40 foot tree, which were only lit up last week, have been yanked down leaving half the tree in darkness.
Kerry Davison, the town centre manager is livid.
She told how cables had been ripped and light bulbs had been stolen.
Miss Davison said: "I will be watching CCTV footage to try and identified the culprits.
"I am very disappointed and upset for the people of the town - a small minority have spoilt things for the rest of us and I am determined to find out who is responsible."
She said: "These idiots can't intimidate me - I will personally make sure the damage they have caused is repaired in the near future."
In the meantime Miss Davison wants the people of Basildon to pull together and be vigilant when out in the town centre at night.
Angry - Kerry Davison
Picture: ROBINWOOSEY
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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