Village falls victim to hanging basket raid

MISSING . . . Councillor Keith Begley with the remaining baskets and the bare wall

Furious Delph residents have criticised thieves who have stolen picturesque hanging baskets from the entrance to their village.

Delph’s plans to say it with flowers have been ruined by the theft of eight elegant hanging baskets, secured more than 10ft-high on a mill wall in Moorgate.

Angry parish councillor Keith Begley, part of the Wake Up Delph Committee which provided the colourful baskets for the community, said: “These thefts are an absolute disgrace.

“The baskets belong to everyone who lives here — so, in effect, the thieves have attacked the whole village. The baskets are part of our efforts to underpin the villagers’ sense of ownership and pride in our community.

“There were more than 50 baskets in all, placed at strategic sites on shops, offices and houses across the village — the display has been very well- received.

“Delph is recognised as a lovely village and the hanging baskets were planned to add an extra colourful touch over the summer months. It’s a real shame they have gone.

“Whoever stole the baskets must have planned it very carefully because they would have needed a full-size ladder to unhitch the hooks holding the baskets.”

Village baker Denise Wildes said: “It’s a real shame the baskets have vanished. They add a colourful splash to the village and show it off well to visitors and locals.”

The eight baskets were removed from the wall at Mallalieu’s mill.

Kath Ross, who works in the mill office, said: “We couldn’t believe it when we came to work and found the baskets missing. They have been a really attractive feature.”

Recently, a major insurance company said green-fingered thefts had increased by 52 per cent during summer months last year, compared with winter months.

And over the past five years, the average garden theft claim increased by more than a quarter from £305.00 to £387.00.




Meanwhile, police are urging gardeners to brush up on their security to stop criminals from using their tools stolen from sheds to break into homes.



Crime-reduction adviser Colin Jackson said: “It doesn’t cost much to improve the security of your shed.

“It could save you thousands of pounds and the nasty experience of finding your home has been ransacked.”

For more information on how to protect your home and property, contact Colin Jackson on 0161-770 1600.