THE owners of children's dance studio near the town centre have expressed their anger and disbelief after vandals cut down their NHS banner at the weekend.

Sara and Emma Titchen, who own ViBe Dance on Green Street, were horrified on Sunday morning when they realised the 'Thank you NHS and key workers' banner had been stolen.

The sisters said: "It’s just hurtful to know this has been deliberately done.

"Our mum went back to the studio yesterday to find the zip ties which has been cut off with scissors, still lying neatly on the ground.

"We bought the banner at the start of lockdown to honour some of our parents who work within the NHS and for all of the other key workers.

"We wanted to show our support to the NHS and all key workers and also wanted to show it to our young dancers when they’re due to return on July 27.

"The children had placed ribbons on the banner to spread some joy through dark times.

"It’s horrible to think someone had trespassed onto our facility to cut it off.

"We know the value is next to nothing but it’s the sheer principle of what they have done.

"In hindsight, we probably should have had our logo printed onto it but I guess you never expect your banner to be pinched, especially on a main road too.

"They’ve probably read our notice on the door which explains that we are currently closed so they took advantage."

Sara and Emma are reviewing the studio's CCTV footage and hope to find the people involved.

If you know where the banner is, contact the studio through the ViBe Dance Facebook page.