A PROJECT officers behind the regeneration of an alleyway into Oswestry's Cae Glas Park has called for 'vigilance' from members of the public after plants were stolen.

The call for resident support in protecting newly-decorated public spaces around Oswestry has come from Samantha Jones, from Shropshire Council and is the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project officer.

The HSHAZ team tweeted over the weekend that more than two dozen plants have been taken from the alley that connects the park with Willow Street.

They said: "We have been busy over the last few months transforming some of the historic alleyways in town.

"However some of the plants have been going missing.

"It is disappointing when the actions of a few make it worse for everyone. Please be vigilant and report anything amiss. Thank you."

Ms Jones added her voice to call for more respect to be shown to the work that has been carried out into making Oswestry a more attractive place to residents and tourists alike.

She explained what work has been carried out by the HSHAZ team on behalf of the town and also called for people to report on any thefts they may witness.

She said: "The alleyway work that has been taking place in Oswestry has been funded by the High Street Heritage Action Zone and Oswestry Town Council.

"The aim of the project was to create alleyways that were destinations in themselves, highlighting businesses that are located on them and by creating a pride of place with improved paving, seating and planting.

"However it appears that some people have been stealing plants from the planter which is disappointing.

"Around 25 plants have been taken in total which means we will have to find funds to replace these.

"This work has been done to benefit both the people who live in Oswestry but also those who visit and we ask that people keep an eye open and should they see any misuse of the sites that they contact us."

Anyone can report anti-social behaviour to West Mercia Police on 101.

The HSHAZ project is part of the wider regeneration project, Future Oswestry, which is made up of representatives from Shropshire Council, Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry Business Improvement District (BID) and promotes partnership and collaborative working.