Hundreds back family's call for Clifton Park CCTV after vandals attack memorials

Kurtis Spafford's mum Nancy (left) is seen with (left to right) Charlotte Ibbotson, Ameera Spafford, Kurtis' sister; Laura Spafford, Kurtis' aunt; Jack Spafford (6) and Kamila Spafford, Kurtis' sister

The family of Kurtis Spafford, who died in 2015 aged 23, has led the charge for cameras in the memorial garden.

A tribute bench installed for ex-serviceman Kurtis has been attacked by vandals twice.

Cllr Wendy Cooksey presented the petition with 1,921 signatures to Rotherham Borough Council on the family’s behalf.

She said: “The family hoped that was somewhere they could go for quiet reflection and to remember a loved one.

“Unfortunately, the bench has been vandalised, as have other memorials.”

Family members had also felt too intimidated to visit the area because of congregating youths, and Cllr Cooksey added: “CCTV would work both as a preventative measure and in holding to account any perpetrators.”

Another bench bearing a plaque in memory of Richard Jackman, of Eastwood, was damaged by arsonists.

The petition will be discussed by a scrutiny committee in October.

The council has said it is considering extra security measures, including CCTV.