Outrage after commemorative WW1 bench destroyed in Tarraby, Carlisle

The bench remembering the Border Regiment's involvement in World War One and placed in Tarraby, Carlisle, was destroyed by vandals with many in the community angered by the 'mindless destruction' only weeks before Remembrance Day is commemorated on November, 11.

Several local residents reported the damage to Stanwix Rural Parish Council who, in turn, reported it to the police. 

One community member said they had been left 'furious' by the destruction due to their use daily of the bench while out for a walk and said that it was even more 'disgusting' with the bench being destroyed so close to Remembrance Day.

The Parish Council has provided several benches at various locations within the area.

The bench has been left completely destroyed. (Image: NQ staff) Chairman of the Stanwix Rural Parish Council, Craig Nicholson said: "Many of these bear plaques commemorating the centenary of the end of WW1 and particularly the Border Regiment’s involvement in that dreadful conflict.  The destroyed bench was one of these.

"The benches are greatly appreciated by the community, and others who use them, as places of rest; and often of reflection on the sacrifices made by local families."

The bench is estimated to cost more than £500 to replace with the parish council saying that many older members of the local community are 'reliant' on the bench to carry out activities such as daily walks. 

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Vape packets were left around the side of the destroyed bench. (Image: NQ staff)

Mr Nicholson continued: "Until then it’s absence will primarily inconvenience those members of the community, of a certain age, who are reliant on the bench to rest when maintaining their fitness with a daily walk. 

"The disparaging adjectives frequently used to describe the sort of persons who derive pleasure from casually indulging in such mindless destruction would be entirely lost on them.  

"Suffice to say that their contemptible actions evidence their singular lack of intellect, and utter lack of regard for anyone, or anything, beyond their limited comprehension and immediate visceral urges."

Cumbria police confirmed the vandalism incident was reported to them on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:37pm but believe the offence to have occurred on Sunday evening, October 27.

Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it , quoting incident number 213 of 29 October. You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.