Memorial to be 'skateboard proof'

Derby's war memorial will be cordoned off while work to refurbish it and make it "skateboard proof" is carried out.

The monument in the market place will be shut for about six weeks during the school summer holidays.

Campaigners wanting to protect it said the stonework was being destroyed by the constant wear of people sitting on it and skating off it.

Conservative Councillor Pauline Latham, one of the campaigners, said the repairs were long overdue.

"It has been well over two years if not longer that people have felt very upset about the way young people and some older people abuse the war memorial by sitting on it and leaving rubbish and beer cans even, on something that really is a grave," she said.

The proposals to put brass studs on the steps of the memorial were approved last year, but the plans were delayed because the structure was listed by English Heritage, councillor Latham said.

The studs would deter people from sitting on the steps and would also prevent youngsters from skateboarding on them.

Ms Latham added the damaged portions of the steps would be repaired and there were plans to add more seating areas around the market place.