Vandals damage flower tubs and barrels in Shrewsbury ahead of Heart of England in Bloom

Vandals have targeted a number of floral tubs and barrels that have been planted up with dozens of blooms ahead of this year's bid by Shrewsbury to take the Heart of England in Bloom title.

Published Jul 16, 2016

The planters have been damaged, with plants and flowers being ripped out.

Gary Farmer, operations manager for Shrewsbury Town Council said: "Our staff are always devastated to see damage caused to the colourful displays they work so hard to maintain. We will be working with police to identify the culprits and have a zero tolerance approach to this type of mindless vandalism."

After a break last year, Shrewsbury Town Council is once again be leading the town's bid this summer.

Last year the town council took a step back from the contest after Shrewsbury was crowned Britain in Bloom's Champion of Champions in 2014. Instead, the council offered its support to Shrewsbury BID with its first entry into the floral competition.

Now the Town Council is back to lead Shrewsburys floral bid once more, with the support of members of the Shrewsbury in Bloom committee which includes several community volunteers and council officers from both the town and unitary authorities.

This year the town is entering the Small City category, as well as the Parks and Open Spaces class for The Quarry.

The Heart of England in Bloom judges are due to visit the town on July 27.

"Our staff take pride in upholding Shrewsbury's reputation as a Town of Flowers and it's a pride we hope extends to all of our residents, shops and businesses, especially with Bloom judging drawing near," said town clerk, Helen Ball.

"With that in mind we would ask local people to adopt a steadfast intolerance towards any defacement to the floral displays within the town centre."

Any members of the public who witness the planters, tubs and barrels being damaged are asked to call the police on 101 immediately.