Memorials and parks targeted in “heartless” flag stone thefts

Flag stone thefts

Murdered soldier Lee Rigby’s memorial has become the latest target in a spate of paving stone thefts around the borough.

The heartless theft from the cenotaph in Middleton follows a recent spate of similar incidents, including forty stone paving slabs being lifted from Whitworth Memorial Gardens at the start of the month.

The gardens are home to a memorial plaque for the 25-year-old soldier who was murdered in London by terrorists in 2013.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, lead armed forces member at the council, said: “I am appalled at these incidents. The memorial gardens are a place where people go to reflect and remember the fallen. As such, it is sad that thieves are targeting such a sensitive location. I hope the flags can be replaced as soon as possible.”

Last week, Syke common became a target with a number of paving stones disappearing.

Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Police are investigating the problem, and local councillors have been holding meetings to discuss possible solutions – one of which being a full removal of the stones and replacing with tarmac.

Wardle Church and Wardle Scout Hut also had expensive stones stolen at the end of last month.

Healey Councillor Kieran Heakin was in a meeting yesterday (19 July) where the issues were raised about the thefts.

He said: “It is an issue that really needs to be addressed and work has to be done to tackle the thefts that are taking place around Rochdale.

“One suggestion was to lift all the stones and replace them with tarmac, which won’t look as good but will go towards tackling the problems we are having.

“Part of the discussion was general renewal of Syke common and Syke pond which may include lifting the stones and relaying them or lifting them and renewing the area.”

Whitworth Town Council confirmed that the memorial stones were taken on Sunday 3 July and is urging anyone with information to contact Lancashire Police on 101.

For the Rochdale incidents, Greater Manchester Police has requested to be contacted with on 101 or 0161 856 8549.