A BARBER is offering a reward to trace thieves who stole plants from a regeneration showpiece outside his business.

Jeff Stone, who owns a hairdressers in Fleming Square, Blackburn, has posted a £500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the thieves.

The theft comes a month before the new-look square is officially opened and has left a plant bed almost empty. Seven shrubs, including lavender and grasses, were stolen.

Mr Stone, who has had a business in the square for over 30 years, said: "It is such a shame. We have had a unique amount of co-operation with this project which benefits everybody.

"People have been very encouraged by what has been done in Fleming Square and the council's regeneration department has bent over backwards. I am absolutely seething.

"It must be very disheartening for everyone who has put so much effort in. If we let people get away with this kind of thing we will just end up with concrete everywhere. Why anybody would want to do this before it is officially opened just fails to make any sense."

More than £400,000 has been spent on Fleming Square to recreate the pedestrianised area which used to house Blackburn's first market in the Victorian era.

The improvements include new planting, paving and lighting and bronze spiral seating.

The theft was first noticed by Rob Ormerod, assistant manager at Exchange Coffee, also in Fleming Square. He said: "Our business, along with other people and the council, has spent a lot of money making Fleming Square what it is and someone's taken plants and left it looking a mess."

Matthew Mayman, the owner of Chilli Lime Deli in Fleming Square, said: "The council has done a really good job and now it's nearly ready it's looking really good. There are some sad people about and I'm annoyed that someone has just helped themselves to the plants."

Blackburn with Darwen Council's regeneration member councillor Andy Kay said he was disappointed by the theft.

He said: "This just shows contempt for the efforts of others. Traders have put in a lot of time, effort and cash and have been supported by the council, to try and improve the area."

Police said they were investigating and planned to study CCTV footage from a camera in nearby Mincing Lane.