DISHEARTENED residents in Longbarn have expressed feelings of shock and disgust after a group of vandals targeted the area during a late night crime spree.

A group of vandals are suspected of destroying plant pots cared for by the community in the early hours of Friday morning.

The damage was discovered at 7am on Friday, July 17, when the 14 planters funded by the Residents’ Association on Harpers Road were left considerably damaged/

A large number of the plants were also stolen and some left scattered along the road in a trail of destruction.

Geoff Orange, chairman of the Longbarn Residents’ Association, said this isn’t the first time vandals have caused havoc in Longbarn.

“These attacks have been happening over a long period of time.

"The vandals originally targeted the new foot path on Blackburne Close but have now moved to the planters on Harpers Road,” he said.

“However, the attack last night has been the worst one yet.”

The planters cost £3,000 to install and maintain and are part of the groups continue efforts to brighten up the area where they live.

Residents have been left feeling saddened and disgusted by the actions of the vandals.

“Residents who were walking and driving past were stopping to express how upset they were that this had happened. “

“Everyone has been shocked by the extent of the damage. Some were even stopping to help clean it up and fix the planters,” said Geoff.

“It is a shame that this keeps happening.”

“The Residents’ Association checked the plants last thing in the evening to water them. However, all the damage is happening over night.”

“Whoever these mindless vandals are need to be caught because they are destroying the pleasures that people are getting out of improving their local area.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.