Anger as Marston Green memorial bench is defaced

A BENCH installed in memory of local men who gave their lives in the First World War has been defaced by vandals.
Marston Green residents are appalled by the damage done to the seat, which was placed in the village’s Garden of Memory last autumn.
The piece of furniture had been specially commissioned to mark the 100th anniversary of war breaking out and was officially unveiled less than 12 months ago.
This month, Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council revealed that people had thrown stones at the bench, chipping the enamel, while initials had been scratched into the surface. The group described the vandalism as “very disappointing.”
The damage comes amid general concerns about groups of youths congregating in the garden.
Residents last month met with the police neighbourhood team to discuss the problem and many are calling on officers to introduce CCTV in an attempt to curb the anti social behaviour. The matter will also be raised at a parish council meeting on November 4.