War memorial graffitied in act of 'thoughtless vandalism'

Credit: Cascade News

A war memorial has been defaced in an act of “thoughtless vandalism” as the country marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

The obelisk, which stands on Alderman’s Hill above Saddleworth in Greater Manchester, has been left with the name Paul scratched all over it.

The name Credit: Cascade News

Oldham Council, who are responsible for the memorial’s upkeep, confirmed they have been alerted to the graffiti.

Councillor Jamie Curley, chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, said: “This is thoughtless vandalism, especially as we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the bravery of the forces on D Day who brought about the freedom that “Paul” now enjoys."

A parish councillor says he hopes the vandal has a conscience. Credit: Cascade News

The monument’s foundation stone was laid in 1923 and took five months to construct.

Oldham Council is asking anyone who knows who the culprit is to get in touch - as they will be treating the incident as criminal damage.

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