War memorial 'desecrated' as 55 plants stolen

The plants were removed from the path leading to the war memorial in Royal Wootton Bassett

A war memorial has been "desecrated" after 55 box plants were stolen, said the town's mayor.

Pat Farrow said the plants had been arranged along the pathway leading to the memorial to mark the recent 80th anniversary of D-Day.

"We are very shocked and saddened that these thefts have occurred from a site that is there to show respect to the fallen from wars and conflicts," she said.

Wiltshire Police is investigating the theft on Marlowe Way, which occurred over the weekend of 15-16 June, and said its enquiries are ongoing.

Mayor Pat Farrow said the plants had been "dug up" and taken away

"The plants had been put either side of the pathway leading up to the memorial, with the intention of them growing into a small compact hedge," said Ms Farrow.

"It looked as if they had been dug up. No plants had been thrown or stamped on," she added.

Mrs Farrow said the incident had shocked and upset people.

"We’ve had quite a few residents express disgust and revulsion that a theft of this kind happened," she said.

"Our motto is that 'we honour those who serve'. Somebody used the word desecration and I don’t think that’s too strong a word - it means to spoil something that’s special."

The council said its grounds team had 'worked hard' to create the memorial

In a statement written on Facebook, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council said: "The grounds team worked hard to create the new memorial, which looked great for our D-Day commemorations, and are rightly upset and annoyed by what has happened."

Some residents and local businesses have come forward to offer help to replace the stolen plants.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact them.