The war memorial hit by vandals will be restored
A war memorial in Middleton, commemorating World War I and II veterans as well as Fusilier Lee Rigby, will be restored after years of vandalism and damage. Rochdale Council has approved plans to repair the structure, including replacing damaged slates, roof trusses, and decorative timbers to prevent further degradation.
War Memorial Targeted by Vandals to Receive Long-Awaited Repairs
The Memorial Gardens in Middleton will undergo extensive repairs after years of vandalism and neglect that has left the war memorial honoring fallen soldiers in deteriorating condition. Rochdale Council has approved plans to restore the site, which commemorates those who died in both World Wars and Fusilier Lee Rigby.
The memorial’s facilities, including toilets that once flanked the main entrance gates, were sealed off years ago after sustaining damage. Now the council has granted itself planning permission to carry out comprehensive restoration work designed to protect the site from future damage.
Restoration plans include replacing missing and damaged slates, installing new roof trusses and decorative timbers, and replacing roof sheeting and pointing. According to planning documents, these repairs “will ensure that the building is watertight and will stop any further degradation which has been caused by theft of lead valleys and criminal damage.”
The memorial has become a repeated target for vandals throughout 2024, with Coun Dylan Williams describing escalating anti-social behavior in the area. Gangs of masked teenagers on motorbikes have attacked both the Memorial Gardens and King George V park. Speaking in June after vandals struck the memorial gardens and Alkrington Woods, Coun Williams said: “It is just getting worse and worse. It is completely out of control now.”
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