FRUSTRATED yarn bombers in Dawlish have reluctantly called time on their creative efforts in the town.

Repeated thefts and issues with using the town’s postboxes to display the decorative ‘toppers’, have prompted the Knitty Noras of Dawlish to hang up their knitting needles for good.

In a statement, the crafters said: ‘These are knitted, crocheted and displayed by people with mental health issues and dementia.

‘These creations take hours and hours to make and we are all devastated at this wanton disregard for our hard work which is freely given.

‘Yarnbomb was created in the Covid lockdown to cheer up our community, occupy those needing an interest and rail money for charity.

‘As our postbox toppers continue to be removed and items are regularly being stolen, we have decided not to create any more yarn bombs.’

The reaction to the decision of the Knitty Noras creators Val Hempstock and Noreen Goodchild has been shock and sadness and led to an outpouring of support for their work.

The Strand Community Centre said: ‘There’s only so much soul destruction you can take.’

Another supporter said: ‘We are so sorry to see this as you have brightened up our town.

‘Thank you for what you have done as you have made us laugh, cry and think.’

Val replied: ‘Thank you so much for your lovely comments and support, it means so much to us.’

Val and Noreen were particularly upset when a special post box topper to mark Dawlish Celebrates Carnival and the 50th anniversary of the pram race was stolen.

In response to the announcement they are giving up, Laura Woodward said: ‘So sad, I always love seeing your displays and it brightened up the town.’

Others described how much the work cheered people up during lockdown.

Shelly Vaughan said: ‘That is so sad but understand your decision.

‘So lovely to see all your work around Dawlish.’

This was echoed by others who also enjoyed seeing the displays and ‘amazing’ creations. 
The national craze for decorating streets and buildings, and particularly post boxes, with knitting spread to Dawlish at the beginning of the Covid lockdown.

Since then, the work of the Knitty Noras of Dawlish has been seen regularly around the town, particularly marking occasions such as carnival, Christmas and Easter as well as the death of the Queen and the Coronation.

Crochet expert Val had hoped it would be a way of cheering people up.

Soon joined by knitter Noreen, the pair started raising money for Dawlish charity Assist Teignbridge and the first effort alone raised more than £200.