Thieves have ripped flowers from plan-ters installed in a Midland town just weeks ago, leaving volunteers devastated.

The pansies were planted by volunteers in five big pots to brighten up Bloxwich last month. But the group have been dismayed to find they have been removed.

Bloxwich Councillor Julie Fitzpatrick, who helped put the planters together, said she was “so disappointed” to see the mess the thieves had left.

She said: “Every one of them has had something stolen out of it. I can’t see them strewn about anywhere, they are just gone. I can only think someone has taken them to put in their own garden. It’s such a disregard for the town they live in.”

She added: “This is about people trying to make the area a bit better and nicer, and it’s preparation for next year’s flowers. We just want people to respect it and look after it.”

Planters have been installed in High Street and Church Street in Bloxwich town centre.