Pride Flag Stolen For Sixth Time From Inclusive Leicester Salon

The owners of The Secret Garden Salon in Leicester have spoken out after their Pride flag was stolen for the sixth time, in what they describe as an upsetting and targeted act of vandalism. The flag, which hangs outside the independent salon in Clarendon Park, was taken despite being installed higher up the building following previous incidents. The salon is known locally as a safe, inclusive and gender-neutral space, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Co-owned by George Waterfield and Darren Cunningham, the salon has suffered repeated attacks, which have become very distressing, not just for them but for their clients and the wider community too. George said: “This is now the sixth time our Pride flag has been stolen or vandalised, and it’s heartbreaking that this keeps happening. It feels targeted and it makes both us and our customers feel singled out in a place that is meant to be safe and welcoming. It’s upsetting that someone would go out of their way to remove something that stands for love, inclusion and belonging.” After previous incidents, the salon reinstalled the flag higher up the building in the hope it would deter vandals. However, the latest theft has shown …