Thieves strike at orchard again

Thieves have struck at a Leominster orchard for a second time – tearing up saplings less than a month after they were planted by volunteers following an earlier raid.

And now those in charge of the Dale Community Orchard, near the River Lugg, say they are considering whether it is worth replanting the fruit trees again.

Thieves first struck in March when they tore up 14 saplings.

Volunteers planted replacements in April, but they have now been dug up.

Mary Apps, chairman of Leominster in Bloom, said: "Once again trees have been stolen by mean minded thieves from the Dale Community Orchard.

"The trees were only replanted on April 16 and this time they were again carefully uprooted and removed along with their stakes and guards."