Cannabis plants removed from Dorset village’s display

CANNABIS has been found growing in 6ft-long planters installed by the parish council in a village. A gardener spotted the Class B drug at the roadside in West Parley, Dorset.

The council had shared a photo of the offending plants in the display on social media, saying it was “looking lovely”.

Tray Veronica said: “I was taking my child to a friend’s house when I spotted the plants last Sunday.

“I found it hilarious. The council were looking after these planters daily. All the other plants are still in there but they’ve removed the cannabis now.

“The planters do look so beautiful. The council did a great job with them. I’m sure this was just someone’s idea of a joke.”

West Parley council said: “On July 20, the parish council was alerted to a report concerning one of the village’s floral displays, which suggested it may have been tampered with, and among the flowers was a plant not part of this year’s schedule.

“The plant was located, removed and has been secured by the parish council, and arrangements are being made to pass it on to Dorset Police for identification and destruction.

“An inspection has taken place of all the parish’s other planters, and this has not raised any further concerns.”

It has been suggested that the cannabis grew as a result of birds transporting hemp, which is commonly found in bird feeders, to the planter. Janice Keith quipped on social media: “Come to sunny Bournemouth and chill out.”