A FLORAL display costing around £700 was wrecked by vandals ahead of a Dunfermline business re-opening.

As reported by the Press last week, La Menta Cafe Bistro & Bar had spent more than £43,000 on upgrading the town-centre venue in preparation for coronavirus restrictions easing on Monday.

Owner Nihat Oymak bought the decorative flowers for the 82 High Street building and work on putting them up was finished last week.

However, on Saturday morning, he found that some flowers had been damaged with others torn off from the entrance.

Speaking to the Press, Nihat said he was gutted by the vandalism.

"We all work hard to make Dunfermline look much better and (become the) best town in Scotland and someone just will come and destroy all your work," he said.

He hopes that CCTV footage will help identify those responsible and added that a Fife Council worker retrieved some of the flowers from Bridge Street and near the Glen Gates.

Staff have since been able to restore the display but the incident prompted a mass outpouring of support for the venue on the Press Facebook page, with other local businesses offering their sympathies and best wishes.

Tracey Finlayson, of Canmore House Bar and Restaurant, commented: "What an utter lack of respect to a small business.

"Your flowers were wonderful and I am sure they will be again, we can’t wait to visit. Best of luck La Menta from all at the Canmore House.

"We are all in this together, don’t let the minority get you down."