Not so blooming rosy in ‘Felon-foel’

GREEN fingered thievery is in full bloom in Felinfoel.

Over the weekend nine hanging baskets from 102 put out across the village disappeared in the night.

They have been stolen from from brackets 15ft high on lampposts from outside the Parish Church, Heol Daniel, Dan Yr Allt and Farmers’ Row.

County Councillor Hugh Richards, who has campaigned since 2005 to brighten his community is angered by the thefts.

He said: “I am disgusted and appalled this has happened. The baskets have not been smashed or attacked. They have been stolen quite deliberately. That’s a selfish and mean act to this community especially those who try and make a difference..

“There has been no shortage of support from businesses and the community to provide the splash of colour with riot of colourful baskets in our streets.

“When I first put forward the hanging baskets idea I was told I would be wasting my time because the baskets would be stolen. But in eight years we have lost only two until last weekend.

“It has been achieved with sweat, toil and no small expense and it is heartbreaking to see so many have gone missing over one weekend.

“The missing baskets will nearly £500 to replace.

“In the first year of our blooming adventure we had 35 baskets and year on year thanks to enthusiasm and support of all shops in the village we have grown to more than a 100 helping to provide sanctuaries of colour and calm in our usually bustling community.”

Cllr Richards said head teachers in local schools had raised the issue of the thefts at assembly. Police were investigating the thefts.

CAPTION

GREENFINGERED THIEVERY: Cllr Hugh Richards shows two of the baskets recovered with their contents stolen under another being attended by regular waterers and maintenance team Mark Howells and Alun Thomas. Pix: Ron Cant

FLOWER POWER: The Greyhound public house is one of many establishments to benefit from the Felinfoel in bloom initiative inspired by the sterling work of Cllr Hugh Richards