An insult to our heroes
War memorial dumped and covered in rubbish
A MEMORIAL carrying the names of 53 fallen soldiers from the First World War has been found dumped in an alleyway.
The discarded stone memorial once took pride of place on the wall of a church.
But the building closed five years ago when planning permission was granted for it to be converted into three apartments.
The memorial is believed to have been left outside after conversion finished two years ago and was found covered in rubbish.
Outraged residents have accused the landlords of the former St Thomas Congregational Church in Exeter, Devon, of a “disgraceful” lack of respect.
Now steps are being taken to re-home it at the White Ensign Club in the city.
Councillor Rob Hannaford said: “It’s just appalling and outrageous that this precious memorial should have been dumped in this thoughtless way.
“It ought to be surrounded by flowers and tributes rather than rubbish and refuse. These brave soldiers gave their lives and futures for King and Country to protect and uphold all the freedoms and liberties that we all enjoy today.”
One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I had to move a bag of rubbish aside that had been covering it. The treatment of the memorial is disgraceful and shows a lack of respect.”
One tenant at the converted church building said she had contacted the landlord several times.
Now Pete Edwards, leader of Exeter City Council, has agreed to store it in a place of safety.
Funeral director Fleur Sussex, of St Thomas Co-operative Funeralcare, offered to supply their stone masons to clean and restore it for free.
She said: “I remember it being on the wall at the chapel and it is important for the local community that we clean it up.”
The landlords declined to comment.