Thrybergh war memorial defaced by vandals for the third time in just one month

Police were called after the new additions to the Thrybergh memorial were targeted several times, beginning five days after their installation in February.

Parish council clerk Terry Craven said: “The soldiers had not even been up a month and they’d been vandalised three times.

“They’ve been scratched, bent and twisted.

“They were £300 for the pair but it wouldn’t matter if they were a penny each, it’s what they are.

“The vast majority of these kids, 99 per cent are fine. It’s just those few that don’t understand what this war memorial is.

“I don’t want them to have criminal records, I just want them to be aware of what the cenotaph is for.

“It’s about education.

“Some of the people from the village who died in the wars wouldn’t have been much older than these kids.”

The Advertiser understands that Thrybergh Primary and Thrybergh Academy have helped identify the young people responsible for the damage.

The cenotaph will be 100 years old later in 2023, with plans being prepared to mark the milestone.

Ironically, it was moved from a remote spot off Hollings Lane in 1990 because of vandalism.

The addition of the silhouette soldiers was part of the wider investment in the parish hall area of the village, which has seen almost £100,000 spent in about five years.

A new bar and PA system have been installed, as well as improvements to the CCTV, fire safety kit, kitchen, toilets and outside lighting.

“It’s about 55 years old, the building, and it had been allowed to run down before,” said Terry.

“What makes us all proud is when people come in and say just how clean and fresh the hall feels now.”

A police spokesperson said: “Officers were called just before 6.30pm on March 7 to a report of criminal damage to a cenotaph outside Thrybergh Parish Hall.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to report it online or call 101 quoting investigation number 14/53068/23.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”