'Petty-minded' thieves target spring blooms in Northwood again

Since 2005, volunteers from the Northwood Residents ' Association (NRA) have planted the blooms to 'brighten up a rather dull corner'.

NRA secretary, Ros Plume, told the Gazette: "After what happened last year, I said that my husband, Richard, and I would possibly not feel inclined to plant bulbs there again.

"However we decided to give it a go again and grew eight large pots of miniature daffodils in our own garden.

"On March 30, we put them in the horse trough. To discourage would-be thieves, we wired each pot to a plank of wood, which then fitted into the base of the trough.

"We then filled all around the pots with soil, so the daffodils looked as though they had been planted directly into the trough.

"But the very next day, one of the pots had been emptied of soil and bulbs. Another one was emptied over the weekend.

"We plant flowers in the horse trough for the pleasure of all who pass that way. Why some individual feels entitled to help themselves to public property is beyond my understanding."

The trough is believed to be a memorial to Victor Albert Louis Morier, who lived with his parents, Sir Robert and Lady Alice Morier, at Batchworth Heath House, near Moor Park.

Victor died aged just 25 in 1982, after embarking on a voyage at sea. His death remains a mystery.

The NRA are now deciding whether to scrap the community flowers.

Mrs Plume added: "On one hand, not planting would mean these petty-minded thieves would have succeeded in depriving of drivers and pedestrians of a splash of spring colour to lift their spirits.

"On the other hand, why should anyone give up their time to provide flowers knowing they are likely to be stolen?"

The Northwood Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is investigating the theft.

What do you think? Email Gazette reporter Siba Matti at sibamatti@trinitysouth.co.uk or post a comment below.