Arrest after planters vandalised in Halesowen town centre

Organisers of Halesowen In Bloom are gutted after the flower planters across the town centre were ruined with plants and soil thrown about in the early hours of this morning.

They had been working tirelessly to get the town looking lovely in preparation for the annual In Bloom competition.

Soil strewn about in the town centre (Image: Halesowen BID)

Halesowen BID said on social media that a male had been seen on CCTV at 2.15am this morning (Tuesday July 4) and that a person has since been arrested.

They said: "We are absolutely devastated to be told about this this morning.

"Not what the town needs especially with just a week until judging.

"Anyone that can help please get in touch."

Planters across the town centre have been destroyed (Image: Halesowen BID)

Councillor Hilary Bills, Halesowen In Bloom secretary, said that the town had rallied round and that B&Q will donate new plants to replace those destroyed.

Hilary said: "Green Care were there this morning and have cleaned it all up, you wouldn't know it had happened.

"B&Q are going to help - by next Wednesday when the judges come it will look wonderful.

"Everyone has rallied round - it really shows how great Halesowen is.

"At the start of the day I was feeling sad and upset and now it's turned out great - well done Halesowen."

Halesowen In Bloom swept the board at The Royal Horticultural Society’s Heart of England In Bloom Awards last year.

The town was named overall winner for the first time ever and won two special awards - Eve O’Connor for outstanding achievement as the chair of Halesowen in Bloom and Leasowes Walled Garden in the Health and Wellbeing category.

West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.