Shepton Mallet's new planters, a collaborative effort between the Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society and Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels, have recently been targeted by thieves.

These thefts have stripped the planters of some of their most colourful plants, leaving them noticeably lacking in the burst of colours they once boasted.

The planters were initially designed to bring a touch of natural beauty to the town, making the thefts all the more disheartening. "Whoever is stealing these is doing a real disservice to the rest of the community - not at all what Shepton is about!" said a town council spokesperson.

In response, the Shepton Mallet Town Council is calling on local gardeners and plant enthusiasts to help reinvigorate the planters by donating new plants. The council has put together a list of specific plants they would like to see, including Nasturtiums, Echium 'Blue Bedder', Nemesia, Cerinthe purpurascens, Geum 'Totally Tangerine', Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve', Viola cornuta, and Abelia Kaleidoscope.

Donations can be brought directly to the Town Council office.

The thefts have been reported to the police, who are currently investigating. In the meantime, residents are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If you see anyone taking plants, please call 01749 343984 or email [email protected].