READERS are outraged following a story in our last issue of Melksham News, about a toolbox being stolen from the Melksham Christmas lights team.
The toolbox was stolen from the Avon side of the town bridge near Waitrose whilst the team of volunteers who dedicate so much time to the town worked on making Melksham ready for the festive period.
Following our issue on 21st November, we had many readers contact us to explain their disgust that someone could do such a thing and also to offer a donation to replace the tools.
Peter Suggitt from Melksham said, “I think the toerag that took those tools if found should be named and shamed! If I could get a list of the stolen items I will check all the local buy and sell sights. Also if a collection was set up I would happily start it off with £10.”
Mrs Anderson also contacted us to see if she could donate. She said, “When I read the story I was so upset about it I wanted to help. If a donation was in place I would happily contribute. What those volunteers do for Melksham is fantastic and it is such a shame that somebody could do this.”
Paul Weymouth from the Melksham Christmas Lights team said he was touched by the offers and generosity from the community following the theft.
He said, “It has been amazing to see the response from the public. People have been handing over money in the street for new tools but I’m not interested. We do the lights for the community and I would much rather people donated to the Christmas lights so the money can benefit everyone rather then to replace my tools which I have loads of anyway.
“I am grateful for everyone for their kind offers but the money would be better served going towards the lights.”
