Thieves stole 52 laurel plants within hours of their owner having spent hours planting them in Stansted. Resident John Allanson wanted to transform an “eyesore” patch of scrubland on the corner of High Lane and Coltsfield, so he, wife Gwyneth and a friend planted 100 laurels there. But they were devastated to discover only the next morning that it had been cleared of more than half the new shrubs. Thieves struck on Tuesday night into Wednesday last week (Jan 30-31). “It was an absolute body blow,” said John, who is health and safety officer at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Football Club. “The value…
