Florist refuses to wilt

By Callan Date
A PAKENHAM florist has had its front window smashed for the second time in four months after vandals attacked the store early last Sunday morning.
Joanne Barnes, the owner of Flowers by Jo in John Street, said the latest incident had caused a great deal of inconvenience to all involved with insurance excess, new sign writing for the shop window and the resulting clean up all adding to the cost.
“It will probably cost around $3000 to fix all the damage that was caused and even though it’s covered by insurance it is real disappointing to know that someone in the community has done this,” Ms Barnes said.
Ms Barnes said the attack is the second act of vandalism to hit the shop this year and is made more frustrating by the pointless nature of the incident.
“It looks like someone just has nothing better to do than go around and smash windows and cause all sorts of stupid damage.
“What makes it all the more disappointing is the fact that the florist supports local businesses and groups and we really try to help out the community in anyway we can.”
However, Ms Barnes has vowed to put this latest setback behind her and continue running the business she loves.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Pakenham police on 5941 1033.