A GARDEN centre manager has hit out at thieves who snatched wheelchairs from the front of his store.

David Yewdall, general manager at the Stephen H Smith Garden Centre, on Radcliffe Moor Road, Bradley Fold, was given the two chairs by his head office to be used by customers with mobility problems.

But the wheelchairs, which were brought in last September, have been taken from the entrance of the store leaving customers who need to use them to get around the aisles stranded.

Mr Yewdall said: "We had the chairs as part of our customer service, for those who are disabled or find it difficult to walk. The wheelchairs had our name on them and had been adapted so that they couldn't be folded up. It's very upsetting and annoying that this has happened. Someone has literally just walked off with them."

The store hopes to replace the chairs, worth £100 each, but staff have had to put up a sign to let customers know that the chairs have been stolen.

Mr Yewdall said: "We have had many customers ask us where our wheelchairs are. It's very disappointing to have to tell them that they have been stolen, and that at the moment, we are unable to offer them that service."

Anyone with information about where the distinctive wheelchairs are or who may have stolen them should call Bolton police on 0161 872 5050.

SAD SIGN: Garden centre Manager Stephen Smith