Oil desecration of memorial

VANDALISED... heritage champion John Crompton and councillor Jim McMahon by the vandalised memorial

VANDALS have attacked Failsworth war memorial with what is believed to be motor oil.

The attack happened last week and has been described as “mindless vandalism” by councillors and the community.

Oldham Council has made several attempts to remove the substance.

But the oil has seeped into the sandstone wall and repairs could cost up to £10,000 if the sandstone has to be replaced.

Local heritage champions John Crompton and councillor Jim McMahon hit out at the damage. Councillor McMahon said: “This is a slap in the face to those who gave their lives for our freedom.

“Perhaps if caught the offender should be sent to Iraq to find out why we have the need for a war memorial.

“People who died for our freedom deserve our respect and gratitude — no less.”

During the First World War more than 200 Failsworth men were lost, while 10 people died during the Second World War when a bomb hit Hobson Street.

The memorial, a grade-two listed monument, is a lasting reminder of those events.

The vandalism was reported to the police who will now look through CCTV footage of the site.

Councillor Ian Barker said he noticed the damage on Friday and reported it to the council. Councillor Barker said: “This is just complete and utter disrespect for the men and women who fought and died for our us.

“The substance used in this mindless act seems to have soaked into the stone.

“If this is the case, putting it right will not be cheap.

“This is another blow to the Failsworth community to add to the attempted theft of Christmas lights and subsequent damage to the Christmas tree at Failsworth Pole only weeks ago.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161-872 5050 or email councillor McMahon in confidence at jim.mcmahon@oldham.gov.uk