A COMMUNITY group has condemned a group of ‘mindless yobs’ for wrecking part of Newton Aycliffe’s war memorial that resulted in a £1700 bill and generous donors left to pick up the pieces.
At the middle of last year, the lights at the town’s iconic war memorial were heavily damaged by a group of youths in a shocking anti-social behaviour incident – leaving them smashed on the floor and a host of angered residents looking for more protection for the landmark.
More than seven months on from the initial attack, Rotary Newton Aycliffe has now described the youths as ‘dangerous anti-social behaviour’, while launching a fundraising page for help paying for the memorial lights and putting up protective barriers to prevent further trouble.
Read more: SPECIAL REPORT: Aycliffe branded a 'no go zone' over anti-social behaviour
Despite the original light fittings being installed last October when local tradesmen donated their time and expertise to illuminate the memorial outside St Clare’s church, the belated fundraiser has already smashed its £700 target, and has reached £750.
The project was completed in time for the annual Remembrance Sunday service by electrician Andy Shields (EJS Electrical) and Landscapers TB Tarn. The electrical components were donated by Gary Monk from UPEX Electrical Distributors.
Rotary Newton Aycliffe president, Gary Blenkinsopp, said: “People in the town just cannot understand why anyone could resort to such mindless vandalism to something as important as a war memorial.
“Many are very upset; the Rotary Club has already received a donation from Northgate Estates and Tesco to help with the repair. Donations can be made via the Just Giving link here. Any money collected more than the appeal target will be donated to the Royal British Legion.”
The original concept for the war memorial was the brainchild of the late Syd Howarth; himself a leading member of the Rotary Newton Aycliffe.
The memorial was first erected for the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service on November 9, 2008, which also marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of Newton Aycliffe.
People can donate to the Newton Aycliffe Rotary fundraiser here.
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