CHILDREN have been left 'devastated' after more rocks have disappeared from a community project.

During lockdown, six-year-old Jacob Smith and his sister Evelyn decided to spread some joy by creating a rocky reptile in their town of Connah's Quay.

They made a rock snake my painting pebbles, starting with the face painted on one stone.

A few more were added to its body and a sign was put up asking people to add to it to see how long it could grow.

Since then, over 750 rocks have been added and the name Enfys was chosen.

However, the project has not been without issues as several rocks have been going missing over the last few weeks.

Over the weekend, Enfys' head was taken and despite a search, has still not been found.

Mum Janine told the Leader that her children are 'devastated' and 'gutted'.

The Leader:

She took to social media to appeal for the rock to be put back.

Janine told the Leader: "As my boy said 'whoever took it mummy is just mean but it’s ok you can paint another one and then it will be ok'.

"If it could be returned though, it would make many people happy. Not just us, so fingers crossed."

It is hoped the snake will find a permanent home in Connah's Quay to showcase the lockdown achievement.

Janine is currently in talks with local councillors to see what could be done and hopes to have a 'plan of action' soon.

She added: "With the head going missing and also other key stones like the Simpsons family and football or superhero ones, I will bring up whether we put Enfys into safe keeping until a home can be found.

"Again this may be a poll we present to the community. I’m keen to try and leave him/her there for as long as possible but I know this risks stones being taken and designs washed away.

"It's a hard decision really. Enfys is a wonderful length now it would be a shame to move it because the minority want to try and ruin it.

"People and children still visit Enfys and add rocks and that privilege would then be taken away if Enfys went into safe keeping, after all were still battling Covid and life isn’t normal yet."

The snake is placed at the alleyway on Coppack Close.