Crackdown on war memorial damage

People are being told to be vigilant against damage to war memorials after two were desecrated in Wirral just days before Remembrance Sunday.

West Kirby memorial on Grange Road and the memorial in Bidston Village have been covered in graffiti.

Wirral Borough Council said: "Damage to war memorials can cause great emotional upset to war veterans and relatives of those killed."

Vandals caught will be given the minimum of a fixed penalty fine.

'Mindless attacks'

Persistent offenders have been made the subject of an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

Councillor Jean Quinn, cabinet member for Streetscene and transport services, said: "Desecration to war memorials causes additional grief and distress to relatives of those killed in both world wars and also in more recent conflicts.

"Graffiti is being tackled forcefully by Wirral Council and we would urge the public to help us by reporting these mindless attacks."

Meanwhile council officers have been making visits to schools as and when graffiti or tagging increases in areas, to warn against anti-social behaviour.

Remembrance Sunday services will take place across Wirral at 1100 GMT on 9 November.