A FENLAND charity has been devastated by the theft of two large orange portable greenhouse heaters, from its main site on the Marwick Road Industrial Estate, March.

Also taken at the same time from the Fenland Area Community Enterprise Trust was an aluminium ramp, which students with a variety of disabilities used to access the polytunnels.

“The heaters are absolutely vital to the horticultural part of the charity’s training programme and work they undertake in the local community,” said chief executive Linda Ingram.

“The charity works with March Town Council to provide most of the hanging baskets for March town centre, and has also been proud to play an important role in the March in Bloom contest this year, in partnership with Fenland District Council.

“For instance the bedding in the planted area at the top of Russell Avenue was also provided and maintained by the charity.”

Ms Ingram said Fenland District Council has paid tribute to the charity for all its hard work, and she thanked both staff and students for the help and support they have provided.

“FACET is also very proud to have recently walked away as winners in the social enterprise category of the Fenland Enterprise Business Awards, as the leading social enterprise in Fenland,” she said.

“So this theft comes as a major blow at a time when the charity is looking to expand its work in this area.”

She added: “It is heartbreaking when you think of the value of these heaters, and yet they will most likely be sold for a pittance or as scrap.

“Our students derive so much benefit from participating in the charity’s horticultural training programme, and it is on their behalf that we are so dismayed. To target disabled people in this way is almost unthinkable”.

The charity has asked that all local people be vigilant, especially when attending car boot sales etc, in case anyone is trying to sell these items. People are being asked to contact the police immediately if these items are seen, but not to approach anyone directly.

If anyone has anything to report that might be helpful to the charity, they can be contacted on 01354 655080. A small reward is available to anyone who helps to secure the return of the missing items.