RESIDENTS on a Little Harwood estate say they will not be beaten by thieves who stole a pair of rose bushes dedicated to community figures who died.

The 68 householders of Glenfield Close have pledged to create a new garden to remember Laura Haworth, who died of a brain tumour aged six, Azra Inatulla Rawoot, who died in a car crash when she was 11, Helen Aspinall, who died of a heart attack aged 69 and Patricia Morris, who died suddenly in her 50s.

A thief dug up the plants, which had been blessed at a multicultural service, last Sunday.

The idea for a new garden has been welcomed by the Rev James Percival of St Stephen's Church who blessed the bushes last June.

Earlier this week relatives of those commemorated appealed for the thieves who dug up the bushes from beneath the brass plaques to return them.

So far they have not been given back.

Residents' association Glenfield Playsafe has declared it will replace the bushes if necessary and prepare another space to be dedicated as a memorial.

Secretary Ian Ward said: "We will not be beaten and we are looking at other places where we could put a new garden.

"I'm still hopeful we might get the original rosebushes back, because they had been blessed at a special service, but we will be carrying on whatever happens.

"We probably won't make any definite plans for about a month, but we are looking at the possibility of using other land on the estate which might be more secure."

The memorial bushes, on the corner of Philips Road, had been dedicated at a multicultural service attended by 60 people, and was maintained by youngsters.

Mr Percival said: "I think it's important for the residents to do it again because they put their heart and soul into organising it. I would be happy to do another blessing.

"All of the people commemorated died in tragic circumstances and I was involved in two of the funerals, so I am devastated about this.

"It's sad that a new garden won't be the same, but it's important the community don't feel like they have given in."

Anyone who wants to return the bushes can call Mr Ward on 07812 782214.