11 April 2014

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

CLLR Frank Osborne, the chairman of the Town Council’s Amenities and Tourism committee, has asked the public to be on the alert after several instances where plants around the town have been stolen and flowers vandalised.

Young plants have been taken from a newly planted area close by the public toilets in East Court’s award-winning gardens, and three planters by the fire station were also vandalised less than a week after they were planted up.

“Someone actually saw children dragging up the plants but when he approached the mother and asked her to stop them, she took no notice,” said a Council spokesman.

The town’s outside staff have also reported gaps in among a group of young rhododendrons planted on District Council land in Tanyard Way.

“The Town Council spends public money to keep East Grinstead looking beautiful over the summer months, and our outdoor staff take a great deal of pride in the work they do, which gives pleasure to our residents and our visitors.

“But we may have to reconsider the displays if the planters are not respected, and so would ask everyone to be on the alert and to report any instances of theft or vandalism to the police.”