Earlier this month the Express reported how 60 plants, which were being prepared for the community flower display, were stolen from Westfield Lane Social Centre and Recreation Ground.

Recent renovations to the social centre – to improve disabled access – left an 8ft hole in the barrier open to intruders.

Security at the site has already been stepped up after thieves stole 60 geraniums.

The plants had been left in cold frames to harden off overnight so they could be displayed in hanging baskets throughout the town as part of the Wakefield In Bloom event.

Coun Robert Brown, chairman of the town council’s recreation committee, said similar thefts had been happening for years.

Coun Brown added: “Despite the theft we will still be taking part in the Wakefield in Bloom event – our gardener, Jim Coyle, produces a small surplus of plants each year.

“It would have been a lot easier and cheaper if they hadn’t been taken but we have had this problem now for years.

“Each year we try and make the entrances and exits to the town attractive. We also hang flower baskets on lamposts throughout the town.

“We had some great compliments last year and I am sure they will be very good again this year.”

And now the town council is planning to improve security at the site and install protective fencing.

Coun Brown said: “The social centre is used by many community groups and we began a scheme last year to refurbish it, which included installing a new disabled access ramp. The old ramp was very steep and this one will be safer to use.

“However, the new ramp can’t be used until the fencing is put up so I hope it will happen quickly.

“Most of the site is already fenced off but this additional fencing will help secure and protect the social centre and recreation ground – it will leave no gaps for anyone to get in.”