The phrase ‘taking a bath’ has been taken way too literally by some blooming cheeky people in Farnham.

The repurposed bathtub that crowns the crossing islands on the Longbridge and Union Road junction has been moved at least four times since early July.

The centrepiece, full of flowers planted by Farnham Town Council, made the short journey to the Gostrey Meadow on Friday, August 2, before being returned by persons unknown ten days later.

“Last month the bath was vandalised and left upside-down in the bandstand,” said Iain Lynch, town clerk.

 “We repaired it and planted new flowers but we also put bags of cement in the bottom. So with the cast iron bath, the cement and the soil it is very heavy.

“However, a group of about 15 people moved it into Gostrey Meadow, though they were careful and didn’t damage the flowers.”

The culprits may have repented as the bath was moved back to its original place on the traffic island last Monday, August 12. They even propped it up on stones to ensure it was level, leaving council workers scratching their heads.

Mr Lynch added: “Moving the bath seems to have become something of a game or challenge to people but we do stress that moving it is a criminal offence.

“We have added anti-climb paint to deter anyone else.”

On Friday the council added another touch: a ribbon and tag with the words: ‘If found please return to the traffic island, Longbridge, Farnham’.