Two men hand themselves in to police over vandalised Frodsham war memorial on Overton Hill

Jun 11 2009 by Claire Devine, Chester Chronicle

Two men hand themselves in to police over vandalised Frodsham war memorial on Overton Hill

TWO men have admitted defacing Frodsham’s war memorial.

The men, both aged 22 and who cannot be named could be prosecuted for criminal damage after they handed themselves in to Frodsham Police station on Monday, June 8.

The Chronicle reported last week how the memorial was targeted on Wednesday and Thursday, May 27-28, days after scaffolding was erected for restoration worked costing £13,600.

Names were scratched into a sandstone block at the top of the obelisk, on Overton Hill, erected to remember the 126 men of Frodsham who fought and died in the two world wars.

Inspector Phil Hodgson, of the Western Rural Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “It was a sensible decision by these lads to hand themselves in.

“They said they saw the article in The Chronicle and realised their antics had had a wide-ranging effect on the community.

“We are glad we were able to prick their consciences.”.

Frodsham Deputy Mayor Brian Lloyd said: “I still think their actions are inappropriate.

“The people named on the memorial gave their lives for us and the men should be ashamed of themselves.

“However I do think it is in their favour to give themselves up and there is some credit in admitting their mistakes.”

The work, funded by the town council and a grant, will repoint the sandstone blocks, clean and re-wax slate name plaques and repaint the original iron railings surrounding the 88-year- old structure.