RAF Serviceman anger over Chester war memorial

Aug 28 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

FALLEN Second World War heroes are being disrespected by visitors to the Cathedral grounds in Chester – according to a former RAF serviceman.

Retired Graham Tilston said that he felt “disgusted” when he witnessed people sitting on the war memorial eating, drinking alcohol and playing football.

The cenotaph, erected in memory of those who lost their lives during the 1939-1945 conflict, is popular with tourists and visitors who often sit upon it and use it as a meeting place.

“Chester is a tourism city,” said Mr Tilston.

“But Australians, Canadians and any visitors to the cathedral must think how dreadful the abuse of the war memorial is.

“I am disgusted at the cathedral authority for allowing it to be used as a place for amorous encounters, smoking, yobs playing football and partying with their cans of lager.

“Although aware of this shameful behaviour they are not prepared to do anything to stop this unseemly behaviour.”

Mr Tilston wants a chain or barrier to be erected around the cenotaph and he says Cheshire West and Chester councillors Max Drury, Tom Parry and Richard Lowe are offering to financially support his campaign.

Cathedral commercial director Chris Walton said: “We are aware of the issue and as an ex-serviceman myself I am empathetic to Mr Tilston’s concerns, but there is only so much we can do.

“If anti-social behaviour is reported to us then we will try and do our best to move people along.

“Our grounds team work hard to make sure the cenotaph is clean and the majority of people do treat it with a certain degree of dignity.

“If we put a large sign in front of it telling people not sit there, then it would detract from its symbolism.

“Of course it was originally designed as a seat.”