Calls for ‘pride to be taken’ in Sutton’s fallen soldier cenotaph

A Sutton war veteran has said the state of the town’s cenotaph is a disgrace after it has been left to fall into disrepair.
Sutton Remembrance parade.Sutton Remembrance parade.
Sutton Remembrance parade.

Green algae covers the names engraved on the memorial and the head of the soldier’s rifle has been left vandalised for years in Sutton’s cemetery.

Peter Ford, of Churchill Street, said it is an absolute disgrace that this is the legacy of those that gave their lives in the First and Second World War.

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“I have been going to Sutton’s Remembrance Parade for the last 25 years and for at least the last four years, the cenotaph has remained in this state.

“The top of the rifle was nicked and the rest of the plinth has been left to fall into disrepair. The western facing side is covered in green algae.

“Someone needs to take pride in it.”

Mr Ford used to serve with the Blue Funnel Navy in Liverpool. He then worked with Nottinghamshire Police for 30 years before retiring.

The 72-year-old is now campaigning to get the war memorial renovated.

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He added: “Next year marks the 100 year anniversary of the First World War, there will be lots of people coming to visit the cenotaph to pay their respects and numerous parades, if it is left like this, it will be an even worse disgrace than this year.”

The maintenance of Ashfield’s war memorials is the responsibility of Ashfield District Council.

Coun David Kirkham, Sutton central, said: “Myself and my fellow councillors will do all we can to make sure the memorial is repaired.

“It is extremely important that we get it repaired.”

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