VANDALS made a blooming nuisance of themselves, trashing many of Salisbury's hanging baskets just one week before the city comes under the scrutiny of Britain in Bloom judges.
More than 16 floral displays in Catherine Street, High Street and Butcher Row were stolen or dismantled and their contents tipped out on to the pavement last Saturday night, in what is thought to have been the work of drunken mischief-makers.
Shops and businesses pay £47 each to participate in Salisbury in Bloom and have a basket displayed and maintained outside their premises.
The city has a proud record in the national floral competition, both winning the coveted title and taking the runner-up spot several times in recent years.
Andy Cole, of Salisbury district council's parks department, said that the petty vandalism had happened at the worst possible time and the race was on to get the baskets replaced and in perfect condition in time for the judges' visit.
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