Message to thieves as bushes stolen from resurgent Stoke-on-Trent shopping centre
Callous thieves stole freshly-planted bushes from outside a resurgent Stoke-on-Trent shopping arcade. Longton Exchange is bucking the national downturn in retail to see all units fully let and footfall rising.
Efforts to attract shoppers have included putting on family-friendly events and sprucing up the area with rainbow benches, a colourful makeover and planters.
But the precinct suffered a setback when plants were pinched last weekend. Residents have now rallied round to plant replacements.
READ MORE:Hundreds back call to stop Stoke-on-Trent hotel being used as homeless hostel
READ MORE:Armed police swarm street in Stoke-on-Trent murder probe
Writing on Facebook, Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, said: "We won’t be beaten!
"Last weekend, some of our newly-planted bushes were sadly taken from Longton Exchange. However, we will not let this setback stop us! We replanted beautiful new camellia bushes where the others were stolen, as we remain committed to enhancing the centre for our community.
"We’ve seen lots of support from local residents, and it’s truly heartwarming. While we hope this doesn’t happen again, rest assured we’ll continue to work hard to make Longton Exchange a brighter, greener space for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for standing with us."