Graves repaired at Leamington Spa Cemetery after 'mindless' vandalism
By James Smith 4th Aug 2024
Gravestones at Leamington Spa Cemetery are now being repaired following an evening of vandalism in last month.
In July Warwick District Council announced 22 graves had been destroyed at the Brunswick Street site with £4,000 worth of damage reported.
Warwickshire Police then launched a probe into the vandalism, describing the act as "callous and cruel".
This week an update from the council said the headstones are now being repaired.
The authority's bereavement services team has been assessing the damage and has commissioned specialist stonemasons to undertake the "difficult task" of repairing the historic family memorials.
Cllr Will Roberts said: “We are all still deeply shocked by this mindless incident; however, I am pleased to report that although some of the memorials remain beyond repair, a team of contactors have done a remarkable job to sensitively and respectfully restore and reposition the majority of the crosses and headstones that had literally been kicked to the ground.
“Whilst this sort of event is very rare, it has not only been deeply upsetting for our local community but has also led to the needless diversion of £1000s of council tax payers’ money, which could have been allocated elsewhere.”
In the meantime, the council’s community wardens are maintaining an increased presence in the area to reassure local residents and those visiting the Brunswick Street graveyard.
Warwickshire Police continues to appeal for information into the incident.
It is believed the graves were damaged before 8pm on Saturday 6 July, with those targeted near the Windmill pedestrian gate.
Some were completely smashed while others were pushed over or otherwise damaged.
Sergeant Trent McMurray said last month: “This was a particularly callous and cruel act of criminal damage.
“Those responsible would obviously be distraught if someone damaged the headstone of one of their loved ones – but they believe it’s acceptable to do that to others.
“We are absolutely not going to tolerate this disgusting behaviour in our community.
“We are working hard to trace the offenders and we look forward to holding them to account.”
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