Families blast graves attacks as ‘despicable’ and ‘disgusting’ acts
Graffiti sprayed on headstones
RELATIVES with loved ones buried in Ann’s Hill Cemetery have been left ‘shocked’ and ‘disgusted’ after mindless vandals damaged grave stones.
After hearing about the incident on social media people rushed down to the cemetery, fearful that graves of lost children, parents and grandparents had been desecrated.
Former Royal Marine, Chris Young, 37, said: ‘My mother’s grave is one of the first you see when you come into the cemetery and so I was concerned it may have been targeted. Fortunately it was left alone but this is an absolutely despicable act.
‘This is supposed to be a place of rest. How do you punish someone who would do such a heinous thing?’
Rob Fisher, 73, whose wife and mother are buried in the graveyard, added: ‘I came down to check on the graves after my daughter called me up last night to say she had seen a post on social media about the damage.
‘Apparently, as well as the damage, items have been taken from the graves. It’s absolutely disgusting. I don’t know what enters someone’s mind to do this.’ Relatives and members of the local community had rushed to the cemetery to clean off green and blue spray paint graffiti, some of which had the letters
TC. Margaret Masters, 71, said: ‘My mother has been buried here for 15 years.
‘I’m grateful her grave was left alone but I feel sorry for families who have had graves damaged.
‘This is a sacred place. Why do it here?’
Ralph Saunders, 77, whose mother and brother-in-law are buried in the cemetery, added: ‘I just don’t understand their mentality.
‘They need to be brought down to see the impact of the damage caused.
‘How would they feel if it was their parent or grandparent?’
Police believe the vandalism took place on Friday night when vehicles surrounding the cemetery were also damaged.
A statement from Gosport Police said: ‘Gosport Neighbourhood Team will be carrying out enquiries in relation to a series of criminal damage incidents in and around the cemetery on Ann’s Hill Road this morning.
‘We are aware that several gravestones in the cemetery have been defaced and a number of vehicles in the surrounding area have also been damaged.’
Anyone who has information to support the investigation is urged to call 101.
How do you punish someone who would do such a heinous thing?
Chris Young
A CITY-owned cargo company could play an 'integral' part in Portsmouth's recovery postpandemic, after signing a new lease to last more than three decades.
Deep water cargo terminal and customs agency Portico, which is based at Portsmouth International Port, has agreed a 34-year extension with owners Portsmouth City Council.
Previously known as MMD Shipping, the company re-branded two years ago as part of a 10-year 'modernisation programme.'
Hopes were raised that Portico could support Portsmouth's recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Councillor Steve Pitt, the council's deputy leader and economic development boss, said: 'The success of the city's port is integral to Portsmouth's economic recovery following the pandemic.
'Under their current leadership, Portico have established themselves as a flexible, multi-functional cargo terminal with easy access from the motorway and the major shipping channels.
'This new deal allows them to plan for the future by giving certainty to their customers. It also means income has been secured for the city's budget going forward, allowing us to invest in essential services for local residents.'
The extended contract will allow Portico to expand its portfolio, by offering current and new businesses longer term contracts.
Operations director at Portico, Steve Williams, said: 'I'd like to thank both Portico’s and the council's legal teams for the professional way the contract negotiations have taken place.
'This commitment that the council has given us by extending our lease for 34 years means we have the certainty we need to continue building the business.'
Under the modernisation programme the company aimed to expand its remit, being previously best known for importing a large proportion of the UK's bananas.
'We've made great strides in recent years by diversifying the range of cargo we can handle, including wind turbine blades, aggregates and grain in the past year,' Mr Williams added.
'Portico have also played a big part in helping to solve the recent container crisis by helping to move them out of the UK and back to where they need to be.' The Portsmouth City Council approved a £15m investment into the company – then called MMD Shipping 2019.
This means we have the certainty to continue building the business. Steve Williams, operations director at Portico