'Grinch' steals our Christmas (From Warrington Guardian)

'Grinch' steals our Christmas

7:10am Wednesday 24th December 2008 in News Exclusive By Nicola Davies

NURSERY children have been given a taste of The Grinch after an eight-foot Christmas tree was stolen from outside their building.

The youngsters, aged up to five, from the Willows Nursery School, on Wilderspool Causeway had enjoyed looking at the lights on the tree in the grounds of the Belfry Group, which is across the road from the creche.

But two callous thieves, caught on CCTV, were seen bundling the huge tree into a van at around 7pm on Wednesday in a mean-spirited act reminiscent of Dr Seuss’ character played by Jim Carrey, pictured, in the Hollywood movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Stephen Lears, contract manager for the Belfry Group, said: “The tree with the lights and trimmings had cost around £300 and we had thought it was a nice thing to do for the children at the nursery, who were all really excited by the tree.

“I can’t believe the front of these two men who stole it – we are on a busy main road so people probably would have seen them.

“It isn’t nice at all. These people are scumbags.”

Suzanne Shovelton at the Willows Nursery said the youngsters were puzzled by the tree’s disappearance.

She said: “They used to enjoy looking at the tree when they went out to play and now they are wondering where it has gone.”

But in the true spirit of Christmas, Bents Garden and Home, at Glazebury, has come to the rescue.

When Mr Lears heard that Bents had offered to replace the Christmas tree after learning of the plight, he said: “It is so fantastic of Bents. It is Christmas spirit being given back.”

Matthew Bent, managing director of Bents Garden and Home, said: “We were really sorry to hear that the tree had been stolen.

“Christmas should be a happy time, so to hear a story like this is really disappointing, especially at this time of year.

“We wanted to bring the smiles back to the children’s faces and help restore their faith in the Christmas spirit, so we hope our new tree has helped to do this.”

The two thieves caught on CCTV are thought to be in their 30s or 40s. One was wearing a dark jacket and the other was wearing a light jacket.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “We are looking into the incident and would appeal to anyone who witnessed it, or anyone who was in the area at the time and might have any information that could assist police with their inquiries, to contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.”

Information can also be passed on, anonymously, to Crimestoppers, which can be contacted on 0800 555111.