Heanton Street in Braunton will be closed for six weeks while gas pipes are upgraded. Credit: Google Street View
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18 Sept 2025
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18 Sept 2025
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The large planted bed display on the Strand in Barnstaple, before and after vandals ripped the heart out of it. Credit: Barnstaple in Bloom
Barnstaple in Bloom volunteers were left heart-broken after a prominent town centre display was wrecked by vandals just days before competition judges were due to arrive.
Police have appealed for witnesses or information after the centre was ripped out of the large planted display on The Strand, next to the Tea by the Taw tea rooms.
The damage took place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, wrecking many valuable and carefully maintained plants that Barnstaple in Bloom volunteers had spent many weeks looking after to ensure the town looked its best.
The vandalism was even more soul-destroying for the volunteers, as the South West in Bloom judges were due to arrive in the town just days later on July 24.
READ NEXT: Barnstaple in Bloom celebrates local gardening success
Above: The once vibrant display had the centre torn out of it by vandals the weekend before judges were due to visit the town for the annual In Bloom competition. Credit: Barnstaple in Bloom
PC Sara Withecombe said: “These displays are created through the hard work and commitment of local volunteers who give up their time to make Barnstaple a brighter more welcoming place for everyone.
“This damage has understandably left them upset and frustrated and we are keen to identify those responsible.”
Judges Ian Cawley and Graham Stone still enjoyed their visit last Thursday and toured 11 locations in Barnstaple, ranging from Rock Park Bowling Club to Pilton Junior School, as well as various showcase town centre locations such as the Square and Strand.
The results of this year’s judging will be announced in October and Barnstaple is hoping to equal or better last year’s result when it secured gold for the town.
Anybody who has any information or footage relating to the vandalism of The Strand display is asked to call police on 101 or visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting reference 50250186879.
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