Anger and dismay as vandals wreck planters
PLANTS RIPPED OUT, LEAVING JUST CONTAINERS OF SOIL
A COMMUNITY has been left furious after vandals ripped up flowers in a Derby suburb.
The culprits targeted flowers, decorations and a bird feeder which were in planters at Oakwood Shopping District in Bishops Drive, Oakwood.
It is not known exactly when the plants were taken from the four planters, but they were reported as missing yesterday.
Where there had once been colourful flowers and other decorations there are now planters filled with nothing but soil.
The sight has upset people in the Derby suburb, who say the planters cheer people up and brighten the area.
One member of staff at a nearby shop, who asked not to be named, said it was awful to see someone ruin things for people who live in the area.
“My colleague said she only watered them two days ago,” she said. “Someone put them there out of their own pocket.
“They should think twice about doing something like this because the flowers make people happy.”
Matthew Eyre, who is standing as a Conservative candidate in the upcoming local elections, said he was upset an attempt to brighten up the area had been ruined.
“Myself and Councillors Mick [Barker] and Robin [Wood] filled the planters with flowers earlier in the year, and we are infuriated and deeply saddened that anyone would steal from them,” Mr Eyre said.
“We’d like to think they would be put back by whoever has taken them, but I won’t hold my breath.”
Liberal Democrat councillor for Oakwood, Frank Harwood, said it was “disappointing” someone had taken it upon themselves to ruin the display.
“I’m so disappointed for the people of Oakwood who have put themselves out to make this place so nice and then someone comes along and destroys it,” he said.
“Things like this have happened over the years, but I still find it very disappointing that people stoop so low to take flowers that are not theirs.
“Obviously it’s only flowers but it isn’t small for us. What a tragedy that people resort to that sort of thing – what we are trying to do is make Oakwood a better place.”
Neil Wilson, Labour candidate in Oakwood at the upcoming election, said he was similarly upset at the actions of those responsible.
“I’m saddened to see the damage which has been caused to the planters at Oakwood District Centre, particularly as members of the community were involved in planting them,” he said.
“It is very sad to think there are people who would steal from their own community, and I hope they are caught.”
We are infuriated and deeply saddened that anyone would steal from them.
Matthew Eyre