‘Disrespectful’ yobs damage Chesterfield war memorial

Shameful yobs have damaged a board which pays tribute to Chesterfield war heroes.
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The board outside St Barnabas Church on Albert Road, New Whittington, has had part of its weatherproof coating torn away.

Police have now launched an investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

The damaged war memorial at St Barnabas Church in New Whittington. Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary.The damaged war memorial at St Barnabas Church in New Whittington. Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary.
The damaged war memorial at St Barnabas Church in New Whittington. Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary.
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Christine Gill, the church’s warden, told the Derbyshire Times: “I’m saddened that someone would so such a thing.

“It’s very disrespectful.

“The board will now need to be repaired – if we can’t sort this out through insurance, it will cost the church money.

“That’s the last thing we need right now as these are difficult times for churches – we’ve not been open because of the coronavirus lockdown so we’ve not been able to fundraise.

Police are trying to find those responsible for the damage. Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary.Police are trying to find those responsible for the damage. Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary.
Police are trying to find those responsible for the damage. Picture: Derbyshire Constabulary.

“Whoever damaged the board should be ashamed of themselves,” she added.

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The board names New Whittington soldiers who lost their lives in the two world wars.

“For our tomorrow they gave their today,” it states.

The damage is believed to have happened over the first weekend of August but police have only just issued a public appeal for information.

Commenting on the offence on the Staveley Police Safer Neighbourhood Team Facebook page, Michelle Rose said: “Absolutely disgusting – no respect for what these people did.

“They should be made to do national service.”

Anyone with information about the crime should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101, quoting reference number 2*410195, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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