A metal statue of a soldier in Chalfont St Peter memorial garden was vandalised last month.
The soldier was first placed in the garden in November 2018 for the centenary of the end of the First World War. It has returned to its spot in the garden each November for the last four years as a tribute to those who gave their lives in the war.
After being informed of the vandalism, which occurred around October 20 and saw the main body of the soldier pulled from the base, Chalfont St Peter Parish Council (CSPPC) said the statue would be repaired.
Chairman of CSPPC councillor Tony Shinner said: “The parish council is disappointed that the metal statue of a First World War soldier has been damaged by a selfish, disrespectful and thoughtless act of vandalism. It was placed on an outside display in memory of the many, including many young men of this village, who gave their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. It will be repaired but kept for display at special events. Sadly, it will not go back to sentry duty in the memorial garden.”
Residents shared their disappointment over the incident on the parish council’s Facebook post.
One woman wrote: “I feel very upset about this. Why can’t this village have anything nice without someone stealing it or vandalising it? We have graffiti, fly tipping and rubbish when other people are trying so hard to make our village look lovely with planters, flags and memorial gardens.”
Another angry resident said the culprit had “no respect or morals”.
Photo credit: Tony Shinner
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