Plea to kidnappers for a safe return (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Plea to kidnappers for a safe return

BRITFORD Farm Shop owners Giles and Gale Gould have urged kidnappers to return two scarecrows taken from farmland opposite the park-and-ride site at Britford.

Mr Gould said: "The scarecrows were such a popular feature on the farm and very much commented on.

"They had only been moved next to the farm shop sign two days before they went missing."

Scarecrow Dapper Dan has been something of an attraction since his creation earlier in the spring and his female companion, yet to be officially named, was created only a few weeks ago.

Made entirely of recycled material and stuffed with traditional straw and hay, the scarecrows have become something of a landmark during their short tenure in Britford.

Mrs Gould, the creator of the scarecrows, said: "They took a long while to make and I'm obviously annoyed that they have been taken.

"I'm concerned that they will be damaged or destroyed. "As they are traditionally crafted, there is a whole eco-system of creatures existing in their structures - these, too, are at risk.

"I can obviously build other scarecrows but what is the point if thieves are going to take them?"

Both scarecrows are realistically proportioned and dressed in country attire.

Dapper Dan was wearing a tweed jacket and grey trousers. His lady-friend was wearing a full-length green Barbour-style coat and floral hat.

Any information regarding the whereabouts of the scarecrows should be directed to Britford Farm Shop, on 01722 413400, or Salisbury police station, on 01722 411444.