VANDALS have wrecked hanging baskets which were put up as part of Dursley's entry in a national competition.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, six flower baskets which had been put in place for Dursley in Bloom were pulled from their brackets and flipped over in Parsonage Street.

Mayor Clare Nelmes said the vandalism showed a “lack of respect” for the town, while acting chairman of Dursley in Bloom Dave Butterfield said the gardening group was “absolutely furious”.

The flower baskets were hung outside of four high street shops as part of Dursley's entry in the national In Bloom competition for the most scenic towns and cities.

Gloucestershire police believe five vandals pulled down the baskets at aboutround 2am on Sunday. No arrests have been made yet but officers are checking CCTV in the area.

Mandy Woodward, who owns Wildwood Flowers in Parsonage Street and is a member of Dursley in Bloom, was responsible for putting up the hanging baskets in June.

“I just can’t understand why they would do it,” she said. “Mindless is the only word for it.”

Jess Cousins, the assistant manager of Clifton Cameras, one of the shops affected by the vandalism, added: “It’s a shame making a mess of the place when people have spent time and effort on something that makes the street look nice.

“Just because someone’s had a drink it doesn’t mean they’re entitled to go around and do whatever they like.”

The chairman of Dursley in Bloom Mr Butterfield, like many on social media, linked the vandalism to Capone’s nightclub in Long Street, due for its licensing hearing tomorrow.

“We’re absolutely furious – and it isn’t the first time that something like this has happened,” he said.

“The thing is, until we get concrete evidence we can’t actually prove that it’s related to Capone’s, but the inference is there.”

Town mayor Cllr Nelmes spoke regrettably about the incident but said the Dursley community would have no problem bouncing back.

“It’s very disappointing. I know how hard all the volunteers work throughout the year and what a difference their efforts make to the town,” she said.

“I think it shows a total lack of respect, but I’m sure the amazing Dursley community will rally around to rebuild, coming back stronger as a result.

“I’m sure Dursley in Bloom, Dursley Town Council and Dursley traders will all contribute.”

If you have any information that may be of help to police contact them on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.