HERE’S proof summer is on its way in Colchester – the return of the Human Shrub.

The green crusader made global headlines last year with his campaign to get the town blooming again after “Shrubgate”

– Colchester’s Lib Dem/Labour council’s decision to dig up roadside verges to save money.

Despite attempts to reveal the Shrub’s identity and accusations he is a Tory “plant” he replanted barren flowerpots and even set up his own version of the Colchester in Bloom competition.

For his first 2010 sighting, the Human Shrub was spotted tidying a flower bed at the bottom of North Station Road, opposite Middleborough on Sunday.

The Human Shrub Facebook page was later updated with photos of him in action, while his status read “Human Shrub has been busy planting in Colchester”.

When contacted by the Gazette, he said: “Finally Mr Jack Frost has been beaten and the time to get planting has cometh.

“Last year, when I was awarding gnomes to humans in Colchester who had made great efforts in planting for my friends the bees, I saw this patch of land had so much potential. I had to remove lots of waste to make way for some shrubs. This particular planting session should require little attention as I selected some very robust and hardy shrubs.

“I added a little colour which won’t last too much longer.

“But I may well return with some summer flowers.”

Martin Hunt, councillor responsible for leisure, said the council would remove and replace the Shrub’s handwork “to ensure it compliments the existing planting programme and to assure maintenance”.

He added: “Last year, we planted more than 30 roadside and roundabout planters which will look great, coming in to the summer months.”