Residents have been left “disgusted” after a war memorial bench was desecrated next to the Cenotaph in Park Gardens, Slad Road.
The metal memorial bench bearing the inscription Lest We Forget, is believed to have been daubed with red paint on Saturday night.
Park Gardens, which is maintained by Stroud Town Council was given to the town by Sidney B Park in memory of his son, Herbert Sidney Park who was killed in the First World War.
A disgusted resident told Stroud Times: “It is a proud memorial and it represents the people who gave their lives for others to sit on the benches and enjoy their life.”
This is the second time the sacred bench has been vandalised. In November the bench had the silhouettes depicting war heroes bent and scratched and a plaque from the back of the bench was removed during the mindless act.
Stroud District Council Chair and Chair of the council’s Armed Forces Working Group, Councillor Kate Kay said:“I was very sad to see this and totally condemn such vandalism. I understand how upset and angry military veterans in Stroud will be.
“We will do everything we can as a council to repair the bench as quickly as possible and will support the police in any inquiries.”
If anyone has any information about the vandalism they should contact Gloucestershire Police.
