METAL thieves have struck in Colchester hitting the efforts of gardeners trying to make the town blossom.

The thieves took about ten metal posts from East Hill belonging to Colchester in Bloom.

The holes were then filled with concrete so as not to draw attention to the fact the posts had gone.

Pam Schomberg, of Colchester in Bloom, said: “It’s a shocking thing to have happened. “This is our best area in town but who knows how we will get round it this season. It’s also a worry people can just drive into the town and help themselves to the street furniture.

“I have to have the posts there ready to be inspected before we put planters on.

Gazette:

These holes have now been filled with concrete

“With the steel sleeve they fit into filled with concrete, we can’t put anything else in them now. They’ll be no displays going in there.”

The incident has been reported to the police as a suspected metal theft.

Although a man can be seen on CCTV wearing what looks like a work uniform, neither Essex County Council or Colchester Council know anything about the missing posts.

She said: “If people can just drive into town with high-vis on and do this, what else are they doing? They could be going all over Essex stealing items at their leisure. It’s not fair to the town and is a dirty trick to play on Colchester.”

The group did receive a boost, however, in the form of a £350 cheque which was donated to the group from the East of England Co-op’s Wimpole Road branch, which hosted a coffee morning in Colchester in Bloom’s honour.

The In Bloom crew have also been offered funeral cars to tour the town for this summer’s competition judging.

“The Co-op is also interested in being involved in Colchester Schools in Bloom and helping to finance that. They’re a lovely bunch of people to work with.”

If you have any information about the missing posts, contact Essex police on 101.