Vandals damage memorial soldiers
VANDALS have damaged every one of the soldier silhouettes that stand in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, just days before Remembrance Day.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council, which commissioned the installations to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, has now been forced to remove the memorials as they are beyond repair.
The council said it hopes to borrow replacements from the Royal British Legion in time for the Remembrance Day Parade and Service which takes place in the park on November 11.
A spokeswoman said South Wales Police has been informed of the offences, which come just weeks after several of the silhouettes were damaged by vandals. On that occasion the memorial installations were able to be repaired.
RCT council deputy leader and armed forces champion Maureen Webber, said: “I am shocked and upset to discover that this has happened again. All of the silhouettes have been damaged, probably beyond repair.
“I find it impossible to believe that anyone does not know just how poignant and significant these silhouettes are.
“We commissioned them to commemorate the Armed Forces men and women who have served, or are serving, making the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe.
“We have spent the last few months getting ready for Remembrance Day at the park, which itself was bestowed as a war memorial to the people of Pontypridd and beyond.
“People of all ages and walks of life have recently come to the Park to create ceramic poppies that will form a cascade and this, as well as the silhouettes, will create the Walk of Remembrance in the Park.
“That such selfish and disgraceful vandalism can take place on a war memorial at this time of year is beyond belief. We will work with the police to identify the offenders.”
South Wales Police confirmed the soldier silhouettes in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park have been damaged and the incident is under investigation. Officers are following up a number of inquiries to find who was responsible.
Sergeant Matt Hicks said: “It is very disappointing – it’s an act of mindless vandalism which sadly undermines the sincere sentiments that the people of Pontypridd have for all those servicemen and women who have given their lives to keep us safe.
“We always maintain a presence in the park but we have increased our patrols in response to this incident.”
Anybody with information is urged to contact 101 quoting reference 414955.
Alternatively you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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