Police warning after vandals rip up Shrewsbury blooms
Police have spoken of their frustration after floral displays which have been planted up with thousands of blooms to decorate Shrewsbury town centre have been targeted by vandals.
The town is awash with colour and the council’s summer planting scheme is almost complete.
The mammoth task to bring the floral features to the town centre began last month and will see more than 300,000 home-grown blooms planted out in various locations.
More than 30,000 plants have been planted in Shrewsbury’s show garden in The Dingle, with the rest reserved for the town’s numerous hanging baskets, tubs and planters.
Inspector Ed Hancox, from Central Shropshire Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Through the efforts of many hard working groups and individuals Shrewsbury Town Centre continues to develop as a place where people wish to live, work and visit.
“I share the frustrations of my Team Shrewsbury partners who often have to react to incidents of theft and damage to the displays and infrastructure of the town. Therefore I am keen to stress that anyone caught committing criminal offences, or acts of anti-social behaviour, will be held to account and potentially prosecuted should that be necessary.
“The town has comprehensive CCTV coverage which is often used to identify offenders, even those who may feel they’ve successfully escaped the scene.”
All of the blooms are grown from seed or plugs at the Town Council’s own greenhouse, which covers the size of a football pitch, at Weeping Cross Centre.
Town clerk Helen Ball added: “Shrewsbury has always been known for its tremendous floral displays and our continued success in the Heart of England in Bloom competitions justify our claim to be the Town of Flowers.
“Our staff take great pride in upholding this reputation, and carrying out the spring and summer planting schemes is a mammoth task that requires a dedicated and passionate workforce. It’s a pride we hope extends to all of our residents, shops and businesses.
“With that in mind we are asking local people to adopt a zero tolerance policy.” towards any defacement of the floral displays within the town centre. If you see something untoward please do your bit for Shrewsbury and report it to the Town Council or the local policing team who will be working closely with us to ensure any vandalism is dealt with appropriately.”
Last week it was reported that vandals had attacked planters on St Mary’s Street causing £400 worth of damage. Britain in Bloom judges will visit the town later this month.
