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Library users ‘murderously outraged’ after theft of hanging baskets
A group behind local library improvements has said it is “shocked and saddened” by an overnight theft following a community event.
Two hanging baskets outside Horfield Library were stolen, along with three large flower pots from nearby Wessex Avenue.
Chris Lindop, chair of Friends of Horfield Library, described the act as “the lowest of the lowest.”
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Following a community event, two hanging baskets outside Horfield Library were stolen along with flower pots from a nearby road
On Saturday afternoon, Horfield Library hosted their annual summer fest, with a variety of activities from tombola to treasure hunting and crafts accompanied by tea and cakes.
But the communal celebration was to be short-lived due to the events that unfolded overnight.
Chris Lindop, chair of Friends of Horfield Library recounts how the community is feeling after the theft over the weekend#theft #HorfieldLibrary pic.twitter.com/v8xLlj4OMv
— Milan Gregory Perera (@stbonscc) July 22, 2024
Lindop said the theft happened, “the day after a really happy event in the library that saw an incredible mixture of people from diverse backgrounds having a really enjoyable time.”
“I am murderously outraged,” she said.
“The Friends of Horfield Library is a voluntary group and has worked hard over the last five years to encourage use of the library and make its surroundings attractive – witness the mural, the planters and the forthcoming mobility hub improvements which we’ve contributed to.”
The mural at the community garden adjacent to Horfield Library features the “best and beautiful” in Bristol from wildlife to Concorde
“But on Sunday we discovered that the hanging baskets, planted up by our acting secretary Mary Clark, had been removed overnight,” Lindop continued.
“We’re outraged and sickened – because this steals from everyone. Not just the Friends, but the librarians, the library users, local people using the shops, bus passengers and passers by.”
Also speaking to Bristol24/7, Mary Clark explained: “In the spring we bought some new planters, paid for with the money we raised in local events. So they were actually paid for by our local community.
“They’ve been watered and cared for lovingly by our committee almost every day. They were doing so well and getting loads of compliments. When I saw they were gone, I was horrified and it was upsetting.”
She concluded: “If we have to chain our flowers to the walls, it’s a sorry world indeed.”
All photos: Milan Perera
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