THERE has been shock at vandalism that has defaced an area dedicated to fallen soldiers and lost loved ones.

In April 2023, the Newton-le-Willows and District Veterans Association officially unveiled their Garden of Remembrance at the back of Earlestown Town Hall.

Supported by St Helens Council, volunteers spent months installing the Market Street garden, along with its accompanying flower beds, soldier silhouette, and donated memorial bench.

With the garden installed as a place of remembrance for all the community, there has been sincere upset as the memorial bench has recently been defaced.

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Councillors and veteran's marking the opening of the garden in 2023Councillors and veteran's marking the opening of the garden in 2023 (Image: Newton and District Veteran's Association)
Chris Scarisbrick, secretary of Newton and District Veterans Group, said: "The garden of remembrance is used by many people in the community, not just veterans, who sit there to reflect and remember lost loved ones.

"We encourage people to write their own messages of remembrance there, with children from the 'Business For Youth' community group often volunteering to help with the upkeep there.

"The kids were in tears when they found out about the vandalism and it has caused so much upset. People are so angry.

"We had one Afghan veteran come to help the clean-up job as soon as he heard about it, because we have, in his words, given him his mental health back."

Community groups often volunteer with the upkeep of the gardenCommunity groups often volunteer with the upkeep of the garden (Image: Newton and District Veteran's Association)
With the spray paint vandalism alleged to have been committed by local youths, Chris said that the incident has caused upset as it has defaced a place of remembrance.

It has also upset residents as it has disrespected the work the veterans group do in the community.

In addition to the veteran's monthly meet-ups, the group also sponsors local community groups and often supports foodbanks and charities with financial aid.

The remembrance garden and memorial bench on Market StreetThe remembrance garden and memorial bench on Market Street (Image: St Helens Star)
Chris, who has served in the RAF and Merseyside Police, added: "The garden has now been cleaned but we have publicised this as we want to raise awareness of the actions of people in the community.

"We would like to invite those who did this to come down to the veteran's group and see what we do."