Shrewsbury town centre has been transformed into a riot of colour, with staff working round the clock to complete the summer planting scheme.
Thousands of colourful blooms have now been planted out around town in the many hanging baskets, tubs and floral beds, with more than 20,000 plants alone apportioned for Shrewsbury’s 365-days-a-year show garden in the Dingle.
The town’s floral vistas are created and tended to by a small grounds maintenance team employed by Shrewsbury Town Council.
“Our lads love what they do and it shows in the beautiful displays they create around town,” said Helen Ball, Town Clerk.
“Carrying out the spring and summer planting schemes is a mammoth task that requires a dedicated and passionate workforce. We grow more than 300,000 plants at our Weeping Cross Depot, which are then distributed throughout the town in dozens of locations.”
It is such floral exemplars which saw Shrewsbury achieve a Gold Award and Category Winner title in the Heart of England in Bloom Awards last year, leading to the town being nominated to represent the West Midlands in the national Britain in Bloom Finals for 2013.
The judges are due to visit the town on August 5 when the many floral arrangements, and Incredible Edible displays, will be adjudicated against exacting criteria.
“Our staff take pride in upholding Shrewsbury’s reputation as a Town of Flowers and it’s a pride we hope extends to all of our residents, shops and businesses, especially with the Britain in Bloom finals drawing near,” said Mrs Ball.
“With that in mind we would ask local people to adopt a steadfast intolerance towards any defacement to the floral displays within the town centre,” she added.
Vandals caused more than £600 worth of damage to planters, tubs and barrels over three evenings last week by stripping plants and moving barrels into the road.
Gary Farmer, Operations Manager for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “Our staff were devastated to see the damage caused to the planters they had worked so hard to complete just days prior.
“We are currently working with the Police and CCTV to see if we can identify those responsible. However, we are also calling on members of the public to take a stand against this type of mindless vandalism. Shrewsbury’s floral displays are there for us all to enjoy so if you see anything suspicious, no matter how small, please let us, or the Police know.”
Superintendent James Tozer, West Mercia Police Shropshire Commander, said: “This is criminal damage and the offenders face being arrested, charged and put before the courts. We are working closely with the Town Council and others to identify and trace the culprits.
“Most of the town centre and its surrounds are covered by CCTV and anyone committing crimes may well be captured on camera.”
“A lot of hard work goes into providing such beautiful floral displays throughout the summer, bringing a lot of enjoyment to local people and visitors alike. They are one of Shrewsbury’s hallmarks,” said Superintendent Tozer.
“I would urge people to contact Shrewsbury police station immediately by calling 101 if they see damage being caused. Contact us so we can investigate without delay. This type of behaviour is inexcusable and should not be tolerated.”
For further information contact Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Officer on: 01743 257654 or email suzi.wilkinson-stc@shropshire.gov.uk