Action taken after damage to Shrewsbury’s floral displays

Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury police are working together to ensure that those responsible for pulling out plants from flower beds and floral displays across Shrewsbury are caught and punished.

Damage has been caused at a number of locations in the town in recent weeks, causing particular concern in the lead up to the flower show and Britain in Bloom judging.

However the council’s civil enforcement officers (CEOs) – who have much broader roles than just parking enforcement – have been monitoring the displays, reporting any damage and helping the police to identify and take action against the offenders.

As a result, in the past few days one individual was arrested for criminal damage and another issued a police notice for disorder (PND).

Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member, said:

“We have been proactively monitoring the flower beds around the town after receiving reports that people are pulling the plants out of the ground. I know they think it is tomfoolery, but it is criminal damage, and we all feel the same as local residents who are very proud of the floral displays around town, especially this time of year with the Flower Show fast approaching.”

Police sergeant Claire Greenaway said:

“I am pleased that the floral displays and planters are being monitored by the council’s officers. I simply will not accept people causing such damage. It is not only a question of the money that it takes to replace them but also the time and effort the gardening staff invest in them. We are completely happy to assist the CEOs whenever and wherever we can, indeed they are viewed by our team as colleagues irrrespective of us working for different organisations.”