POLICE are investigating after a community garden had its plants and bushes stolen not long after they were planted.

The garden area, on Wellington Road, Harwich, has been a focus for Tendring District Council for a number of months.

In February, residents were frustrated by the council’s action after trees cared and paid for by volunteers were taken without prior warning.

A Tendring District Council spokesman confirmed the theft of some freshly installed plants which have now been stolen from the garden.

He said: “The theft of some plants and bushes has been reported to the police for further investigation.

“It is sad to see that some individuals are trying to benefit themselves from our efforts to create a pleasant space for the community.”

Last month, Graham Jones, who cared for four trees in the garden alongside his 91-year-old volunteer friend, was saddened when they were taken by the council during their improvement bid.

It is believed the Harwich town residents association paid about £500 towards the cost, with a government grant covering the rest.

At the time, the council said: “The area is being upgraded as part of a programme of improvements to areas of public realm in Harwich and Dovercourt.

“It is Tendring Council land and if people undertake work on it, or plant on it, without agreement from the council or without the knowledge of the landowner there is always a risk of something like this occurring.”

Plans for the area involve new benches, a grassed area and shrubs, which are all part of improvements for the Mayflower 400 commemorations.