Beauty spot gates ripped out

Three large signature gates have been ripped out and stolen from a Stourbridge beauty spot – just months after thousands of pounds was spent on improving the site.

Norton Covert, off Norton Road, had become something of an eyesore site before Ken Hughes, managing director of Simeon Bateman timber merchants, stepped in. Sick of seeing the state of the once beautiful spot as he drove to and from work, Mr Hughes pledged £10,000 of his own work and materials to gate and fence off the eyesore site.

The new barriers were designed to keep mini-moto riders out and give the area a better look.

But Mr Hughes said he was devastated after hearing a large wooden five-bar gate and two kissing gates had been stolen from the site – and offered a £500 reward for anyone who could help catch the culprits.

He said: "It is so sad that this has happened after nearly eight years of communication between Dudley Council and me.

"We finally finished the project late last year and I am quite upset that this could have happened.

"If the person or persons were that hard up for a gate I would have supplied them with one. It leaves the Covert damaged and scarred.

"It is a blight on our society that someone has to steal these gates from an area that badly needed some maintenance.

"It may now leave others wondering if it is worth doing anything for the environment or for the benefit of others.

"I am prepared to offer a reward of £500 to anyone who can provide information for the successful arrest and prosecution of the thief or thieves. Information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone with information on the theft of the gates can call West Midlands Police on 0845 113 5000 or Mr Hughes on 01384 898888.