Memorial bench is trashed by vandals
Family slam actions of thugs in Chatelherault Park
Vandals have trashed a memorial bench that has been situated in Chatelherault Country Park for more than 18 years.
This week, the Larkhall family - who had the bench positioned in the park in memory of their loved one in 1999 - hit out at the mindless act.
Speaking to the Advertiser, the daughter of the lady whom the bench is dedicated to, said her father was heartbroken when he came across the broken bench.
She explained: “My dad went to visit the bench as he regularly does to maintain it, only to discover the arm had been wrenched off.
“The bench is so very special to us. There are so many wonderful memories there of our family and my precious mum.
“My dad likes to go there to speak to my mum and sit on the bench like they used to do when she was here and eat ice cream.
“He was devastated when he saw the mess of it.
“I can’t believe people would do such a thing, it is like vandalising a grave stone. It is disgusting.”
The arm of the bench has been completely ripped off and the park ranger tried to look for it so it could be repaired, but it’s nowhere to be seen.
The 80 year-old pensioner, who asked not to be named, is thinking of having it repaired and uplifting the bench for good so it cannot be damaged again.
His daughter added: “It is such a shame that he is thinking of doing that.
“The bench has been there for many, many years and is a little space where he can go and visit and the fact that he can no longer do that because of vandals is appalling.”
Inspector Scott Mccarren of Hamilton Police said: “We are aware of vandalism in Chatelherault Country Park. If anyone has any information please contact the police using 101.”
Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, Michael Mcglynn, said: “We condemn this type of mindless vandalism and would encourage anyone with any information to get in touch with the police.
“We have investigated the damage and are confident that we will be able to make a repair and restore the bench to an acceptable level.
“We will be in touch with the family to let them know this.”
Chatelherault Country Park has been subjected to vandalism earlier this year.
In June an 800 year-old Cadzow Tree in the park was set on fire and badly damaged.