Tandragee War Memorial targeted by vandals

Local councillors have hit out following a vandalism incident at the War Memorial in Tandragee.

Speaking about the incident, Cllr. Keith Ratcliffe said, “I am disgusted that someone has taken it upon themselves to scrawl over the War Memorial in Tandragee.

“This is particularly callous as we approach Remembrance Day.

“This should not need to be said; but the sacrifice of the Servicemen and women from our community and the commemoration of their Service sits above politics and public discourse. Those who gave their all deserve our greatest respect and their memorial should never be vandalised to convey political messages.

“Those who feel our freedoms and way of life are under threat should engage in the political process to affect real change. That is what I am in the business of doing.

“This disgraceful act has been reported to the relevant authorities and I trust the Memorial will be restored quickly.”

Alderman Paul Berry said he had contacted the council following the discovery of the vandalism on Friday afternoon.

He said, “I utterly condemn this graffiti on the War Memorial.

“When a member of the Veterans reported to me on Friday afternoon I immediately contacted our Council Team who acted swiftly to get a contractor in place to get this removed.

“Locally people are disgusted and raging at this vandalism of the Memorial. If anyone has information please report to the PSNI or myself directly.”