By DANIELLE GALVIN
A CHARMING 90-year-old hedge was set alight early on Christmas Day in Emerald.
Glenda and Ken Taylor awoke just before 2am to find the cypress hedge ablaze on the front of their property.
The hedge runs roughly three quarters of an acre in length, and more than 28 metres was burnt in the inferno.
Embers were scattered throughout their backyard including the Taylor’s pool, and fire crews were initially concerned the fire would make its way to the house.
“It was a pretty intense fire,” Ms Taylor said.
“The hedge is irreplaceable – there is nothing like it.”
Two brothers who live nearby called triple-zero when they saw the hedge on fire.
The Taylors have maintained the hedge for more than 28 years and they say the community is “devastated” by the senseless act.
Ms Taylor said they were grateful that someone notified authorities.
“Everyone is shocked as are we,” Ms Taylor said.
“Devastated is an understatement.
“Apart from the privacy, security and charm of the hedge – this is a terrible, sickening deliberate act.”
Chris Britton is an Emerald resident and secretary of the town’s museum.
She said the committee had great interest in local heritage and said it was “frightening.”
The hedge is believed to be one of the last of its kind in Emerald.
“We believe it was built in 1929 or 1930, at the same time the house was built,” Ms Britton said.
“It is one of the few remaining hedges that had been planted.”
The damage bill is significant as trees behind the hedge were also burnt and partially destroyed.
Trees on the opposite side of the road were singed because of the intense heat.
They estimate the cost of cleaning up the damage between $5000-$6000 but the owners fear the hedge won’t grow back.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cardinia CIU on 5945 2500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
