Shropshire Star

Telford pupils' sadness as flower thieves strike again

It's a place where Telford youngsters can exercise and explore in complete safety – and it's being ruined.

Published
Dylan Smart, 11, and 10-year-old Myar Eastwood from Dawley CofE School pictured with the flowers still left in the park

Dawley C of E Academy, in Doseley Road, uses Dawley Park every day for both PE and in academic lessons.

But for the third time in only two months, thieves have stolen plants from the site.

Dawley C of E headteacher Nick Andrews said that the children were "massively disappointed" whenever anything happened.

"We have invested a lot of time and energy into Dawley Park, and the kids are massively disappointed every time they hear something has happened," he said. "They really take it to heart.

"We use it and the kids tend to it. They take a lot of pride and care for the area themselves. We're all absolutely gutted.

"We run around the park every week day, and we use the tennis courts there quite a lot. We do nature trails back there as well. Children access the park over the term as part of their learning. It's generally quite safe."

Mr Andrews said that the school is trying to teach its pupils to be an active part of their community, but it becomes harder when the youngsters see their hard work ruined.

"We've got to make sure as an academy that we can instil these values but it's very difficult," he said.

"But our kids are very determined, persistent – they'll continue to look after Dawley park and help out in the community."

The money to put plants into the park generally comes from the school and from the Friends of Dawley Park, through grants and donations.

Police are investigating the thefts from the area.

Anybody with information should call police on 101 citing 0131S of November 8. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org