Shows a lack of respect

After reading in the Echo on September 5 that the ‘Tribute’ road sign erected to recognise the work and commitment carried out by the late Councillor Paul Watson has been vandalised, I felt sick to my stomach.

The Paul Watson Way road was in recognition for years of hard work, commitment and 10 years of service to the people of Sunderland as leader. These low level, narrow minded individuals have no respect for other people, themselves, their families, and they certainly don’t value the vehicle they were driving as this malicious act would cause severe damage to the vehicle they were driving.

To be voted in as leader for 10 years is not an easy task. Councillor Watson was a leader of the people. He worked hard and tirelessly and did not forget the grass root community which he represented, despite suffering he carried on working, representing residents of Sunderland until shortly before he died. He would not give in to his illness and carried out his role with great pride and courage.

Councillor Watson was not only prominently involved in the development of the Northern Spire, which we should all be proud of, but he was involved in many major roles for the benefit of Sunderland community, which includes the people who have carried out this callous vandalism.

Name withheld