Anger as Chesterton Park war memorial attacked by vandals
VANDALS have attacked a war memorial less than two weeks before Remembrance Sunday.
Blue paint was thrown at the memorial in Chesterton Park, obscuring the names of local men who died serving their country.
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'DISRESPECTFUL': David Dean wants those responsible for vandalising the Chesterton Park war memorial caught.
The vandalism comes as community groups in the area prepare for Chesterton’s annual remembrance service, which takes place in the park.
Residents have condemned the attack.
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David Dean, of Castle Street, Chesterton, said: “This is totally disrespectful to those who died serving their country.
“The paint even covers some of the names that have been engraved on the memorial.
“It’s absolutely disgusting. Something needs to be done about these vandals.”
Lilian Barker, from Tintern Place, was working at the One Stop Shop in London Road when she heard what had happened.
She said: “A gentleman came in to buy a poppy and let us know someone had thrown paint over the memorial.
“I’m absolutely devastated. I’ve not got the words to say how I feel.
“These people gave their lives up for their country and we’ve got yobs doing this. It’s disgusting.”
David Scott, aged 40, of Wright Avenue, was also shocked.
He said: “I’m disgusted that someone, or some people, have done that.
“Bearing in mind what the memorial should mean to people, and that individuals have lost their lives for us to have the freedom we have got, I’m really disappointed that it has been vandalised.”
Staff from Newcastle Borough Council were at the park yesterday to try and clean up the memorial.
Steve Middlehurst, the authority’s community manager for operations, said: “The park rangers have now cleaned the area near to the war memorial.
“The council disapproves of behaviour like this and wishes to minimise any distress caused by this act of vandalism”.
Borough councillor Hilda Johnson said she hoped the culprits were found.
“I’m appalled,” she said.
“I always go to the Chesterton service and there is always a good turnout.
“Whoever has done it should be ashamed of themselves.”
Staffordshire Police said officers would be investigating the damage.
A spokesman said: “We have been made aware of possible criminal damage at the park.
“Officers are now making inquiries into this. Anyone with information is asked to contact us.”
Anyone with information should call Staffordshire Police on 101.
Comments
by warren-lloyd
Saturday, November 03 2012, 7:20AM
“No news Tony, Ponds still on about everyone being Pesos bar himself and anyone who follows him. on the story, local kids, tan there backsides.”
by Redtone
Friday, November 02 2012, 4:29PM
“BucknallMel - we have fegghayesman and (mainly) muslim immigrants have their equivalent.
The trick is for the majority of us, on both sides, to get on.
Any news on the 17 GCSEs?”
by johnboy2011
Friday, November 02 2012, 4:16PM
“Hi BucknellMell, I think I know which group you talking about, I think I read something about this happening in Bradford, I think its the same group who chanted and burnt poppies in London last year in front of the Queen.”
by Redtone
Friday, November 02 2012, 3:31PM
“Over used word on this website, but... scum.”
by BucknallMel
Friday, November 02 2012, 2:01PM
“If local kids did this, it does argue that they need to be taught some respect for our history and our servicemen in our schools; but I do think there should not be a knee-jerk assumption that it was just local yobs. I know of another social grouping that seems so disconnected to those who fought for our freedom that young poppy sellers in Bradford need bodyguards to protect them from abuse. Just saying...”
by johnboy2011
Friday, November 02 2012, 1:24PM
“These memorials are to honor the brave men and women who fell in two world wars, and these low life's that do this sort of thing are not brave, far from it. God help us if there's another war, and we've got to rely on this lot.”
by Anon_mow_cop
Friday, November 02 2012, 11:40AM
“I cannot understand people who descecrate memorials to those who gave their lives to let them enjoy freedom they have now. Shortly after the Falklands war, one the Falklands residents there was interviewed, she said "You don't know what it's like to be occupied, not being able to go through your own door when you want to, and do what you want to, when you want to, you feel as if you have lost everything you hold dear in life".”
by camband
Friday, November 02 2012, 11:31AM
“Some of the blame must go on our Education National Curriculum. Most young people -teenagers, haven't a clue what those who fought in two world wars went through -especially World War One.
There's a dreadful disconnect. Without knowing the past you can't be expected to understand the present... especially if you have, what's called nowadays -'issues'.”
by spudder56
Friday, November 02 2012, 11:13AM
“LOW LIFE SCUMBAGS”