A hanging basket put up to give the town a makeover has been stolen – weeks after it was installed.

The floral display was one of 17 organised by Sheerness Enhancement Association for Leisure (SEAL).

The one which has been taken was on a lamp-post in Bridge Road, Sheerness, opposite the train station and it is thought to be worth about £150.

Work to install them was carried out by inmates from HMP Standford Hill and two of the prisoners have been based in the High Street to water the flowers and maintain the displays.

It was taken overnight on Friday and SEAL secretary Brian Spoor said he suspects it was whipped by party-goers out on the town.

“I can understand what’s happened,” he said. “Someone has taken it home for someone else after a night out. But they must know it’s not theirs – it looks very professional.

“You get [groups like] SEAL which are trying but it’s an uphill struggle with putting up with vandalism and it makes you think if you want to do anything else for the Island.

“It spoils it for everyone else. Please can we have it back.”

Mr Spoor said flowers had also been taken from one of the planters around the clock tower.