Following on from reports of plant thefts in the Borough, Sefton Council is seeking the community’s support in protecting and respecting public gardens. 

The Hesketh Park Heritage Group reported that brand new plants and shrubs were uprooted and stolen before they could take pride of place in the park’s display gardens. 

It was later learned that, alongside the many plants bought by individual volunteers and volunteer groups, some had been bequeathed to Hesketh Park by a local couple in their will.

Plant plea

The Council is urging people across the Borough to leave plants and flowers untouched, allowing them to be enjoyed by everyone. 

Sefton is home to more than 160 parks, including the 12-hectare Hesketh Park in Southport, Churchtown’s historic Botanical Gardens and the Grade II listed Derby Park in Bootle. 

Many are home to beautiful and diverse flower and plant displays, which contributed to Southport being shortlisted for the prestigious Britain in Bloom awards this year. 

The parks are maintained both by Green Sefton and the tireless efforts of ‘Friends Of’ groups, which are made up of volunteers. 

New plants are provided both through these volunteers’ own generosity and donations from members of the public. 

It means that any new plant stolen from a park or display garden has been thoughtfully given by a fellow Sefton resident.

'Wonderful' volunteers praised

Councillor Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our beautiful parks and gardens are not only shining jewels in the heart of our Borough, they’re also an example of the incredible results that can be achieved through hard work and a strong sense of community. 

“Thefts are an insult to the people who kindly donated, the volunteer groups whose work in our parks is awe-inspiring, and everyone across Sefton. 

“My message to the people involved in this crime is: we won’t let your selfishness ruin the tireless efforts to keep our parks pristine.” 

Adrian Fletcher, Co-chair of the Hesketh Park Heritage Group, said: “Let us all be on our guard against these self-centred criminals who take no pride in the community in which they live and only undermine the altruistic work of our wonderful volunteers.” 

The Council is encouraging anyone who witnesses a plant theft to contact the police and share any evidence which can be safely gathered. 

It does not advise members of the public to directly confront a person seen committing the crime.