OKEHAMPTON Chamber of Trade is appalled by mindless vandals ripping down hanging baskets from shops in West Street and throwing them into the River Ockment.

The incident in which four baskets from Sweet Success and Jag Communications were thrown over West Bridge occurred around midnight on October 8.

Chamber of trade member Donald Rooke said a lot of effort was put into looking after the town?s hanging baskets, which were provided by the chamber each year and watered by traders.

?These baskets have been meticulously watered over the last four and a half months and it just seems so mindless to vandalise them like this.

?If those who did it would like to come and help us they would know how much work goes into it.?

Police said a group of males and females were spotted in the area at the time of the incident. Anyone with information should call Okehampton Police on 08705 777444.