DRUNKEN hooligans today damaged Felixstowe's seafront garden's magnificent floral centrepiece - just hours before Anglia in Bloom judges were due to arrive to see it.
Richard Cornwell
DRUNKEN hooligans today damaged Felixstowe's seafront garden's magnificent floral centrepiece - just hours before Anglia in Bloom judges were due to arrive to see it.
Gardens workers were working as quickly as they could to repair the 3D floral aircraft outside the resort's leisure centre after vandals ripped flowers out of its wings and the surrounding bedding.
Dozens of blooms were destroyed and the area left scattered with bottles and beer glasses.
Two judges were this morning due to tour the town - the region's best resort last year - to see its civic and private gardens, schools and allotments displays.
Workers were out in force tidying the town, watering hanging baskets and tubs, and putting the finishing touches to displays.
Marc James, part of council's seafront gardens team said: “This a real kick in the teeth and very disappointing for everyone involved.
“We wanted to be out and around the town this morning getting ready for the judging and now we are having to spend vital hours repairing the plane.
“We just don't understand why someone would do this. It's mindless.
“It's a real knock-back. But we are determined to put it right and are working as fast as we can.”
It is the third time flower displays have been damaged this summer.
A new bed next to the Town Hall was ripped up, and flowers were also taken from the beds on The Triangle and dumped into the disabled toilet.
The plane in Undercliff Road West was designed by gardener Martin Stewart and members of the gardens team and built by E Jacobs and Sons at the Kirton forge to mark the 50th anniversary of the RAF being given the Freedom of Felixstowe and the 90th anniversary of the RAF.
As well as being judged for Anglia in Bloom, Felixstowe has also been selected to take part in the national Britain in Bloom competition.
- What do you think of the vandals who damaged Felixstowe's floral displays? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
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