HEARTLESS vandals have destroyed around 1,400 bedding plants outside an older people's housing complex in Sidemoor.

The yobs struck at Willow Court sheltered housing, in Willow Road. The beautiful tightly packed displays were ruined and flowers were left strewn around.

Now Bromsgrove District Housing Trust is offering a reward for information leading to a successful conviction after the attack, which happened overnight on Thursday, August 2.

BDHT, which owns and manages the homes at Willow Court, had provided the bedding plants as part of its grounds maintenance programme.

Willow Court and eight other sheltered schemes, owned by BDHT, benefit from the extra planting twice a year - in summer and autumn - to keep communal areas in top condition.

Mike Brown, chief executive of BDHT, said: "We are appalled that anyone should want to destroy the planting at Willow Court and deprive the residents there of something we know they value highly.

"Our consultation with residents has shown that creating bright and attractive neighbourhoods is a top priority. Something as simple as well planted and well maintained flower beds helps to create a sense of pride in local communities.

"For the elderly residents, well maintained communal areas also provide a pleasant outlook, and somewhere to sit and socialise in the summer months."

He added: "Our grounds maintenance contractors have salvaged the plants which could be saved and have now cleared the damaged plants so as not to cause further distress to residents. As the summer planting season is now over, unfortunately we will have to leave the replanting until the autumn."

Mr Brown urged anyone with information about the attack to contact police. BDHT is offering a reward of £100 to anyone with information which leads to a conviction.

Anyone with details should contact police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.