VANDALS have stolen flowers planted by islanders in tribute to fallen soldiers.

A war memorial at the Paddocks Community Centre, in Long Road, was targeted by thieves who took the flowers from a large bed next to main tribute.

It has left islanders furious, with the theft coming just days before Canvey holds a parade as part of armed forces day.

Allan Taylor, Canvey Independent Party councillor for Winter Gardens, who has helped to maintain plants around the memorial for the past five years has condemned the behaviour.

He said: “It’s just the lowest form of vandalism really, and I don’t know what goes through the minds of people who are doing this.

“The cost of those plants and the work to put them in has come from the generosity of people on the island. I don’t know who is responsible for this, but it’s totally unacceptable.

Plants donated by GMD Mower and Tool Hire, in High Street, along with ones from Mr Taylor’s own garden, have now been planted to replace the stolen ones ready for the parade on Saturday.

The Royal British Legion has condemned the behaviour calling it disrespectful, and is urging residents not to let troublemakers have the final say on tributes.

Angie Wynn, the legion’s Canvey branch secretary, says she is angry with the timing of the theft.

She said: “This is very unusual, because we’ve left wreaths there for months in the past and they have never been touched.

“So it’s very disappointing to hear this, as Canvey has such strong community spirit and usually marks any tribute impeccably. People should be more aware of this and respect what those plants stand for.”

Peter May, Canvey Independent Party councillor for Central ward, says he is angered that tributes donated by islanders have been targeted.

He said: “This has come from the Canvey community, so somebody out there who is most probably living on the island, has taken this other residents.

“GMD have been fantastic with all their help and good work they have done. Obviously the timing is very disappointing. We are usually very good at honouring the war veterans.

The island’s armed forces day, organised by Canvey Town Council, sees a host of community groups show their support on the parade through the town centre to the Paddocks.

Starting from the Castle View School car park, Foksville Road, from 10.30am groups will march through the town centre along Furtherwick Road down to Long Road to the Paddocks Community Centre.

This year’s parade will be made up of representatives from the Royal British Legion, veteran groups and individuals, the Sutherland Pipes and Drums, current serving members of the armed forces, local scouts, girl guides, army cadets, youth groups and the emergency services.

A thanksgiving service will be held at 11am outside at the Paddocks War Memorial which will be led by Father Peter Mallinson and supported by Canvey Community Choir and The Orpheus Choir with music supplied by The Band of The Parachute Regiment.

A wartime exhibition will also be held in the Paddocks. Among those exhibitors will be the Bay Museum, South Essex Amateur Radio Society, Canvey Community Archive, Canvey Island Transport Museum, and local authors.

There will be a temporary rolling road closure on the parade route from 10.30am until 11am in the town centre.

For more information, visit.canveyisland-tc.gov.uk.