Hundreds of plants stolen from West Park

The flower beds at West Park have been left decimated by the thefts which have taken place throughout the summer.

And there are worries that the beds will be left empty if the thefts continue with workers unable to replace the stolen plants due to budget cuts in the council's parks department.

Security has been stepped up at the park in a bid to catch the brazen thieves.

And signs have been erected in flower beds telling people that plant thefts at the park are reported to police.

The council said it was a sad state of affairs that 'selfish' people were stealing plants for their own gain.

Spokesman Tim Clark said: "The thefts have been happening throughout the summer growing season and we estimate hundreds of plants have been taken.

"The beautiful displays our gardeners create at West Park are for the public to enjoy and it is sad to think selfish people are stealing plants for their own gain.

"The council is replacing plants where it can, but obviously our budgets are very stretched at the moment and this is not something we can do indefinitely."

Mr Clark added: "The message to the thieves is that we are onto you – we know what time of day the offences are happening and security has been stepped up.

"We would appeal to the public to contact the police on '101' with any information about who is committing these offences or to report any suspicious activity they witness in the park."

West Park is considered to be one of the best, unspoilt examples of a Victorian park left in England.

The park covers roughly 43 acres in area.