AN anti-war campaigner has caused outrage after defacing a statue put in place to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
In an apparent message of peace, the statue, at Southend cenotaph, in Clifftown Gardens, now has a message written upon it in what appears to be in pink and yellow chalk.
It reads: "Teach peace. There is no glory in war. No honor [sic] in killing. Stop supporting war. One love.”
Simon Wilson, from Westcliff, walks along the gardens regularly and was “disgusted” by what he saw.
He told the Echo: “I think it’s disgusting and shows lack of respect. I thought it was chalk but it’s either paint or nail polish.
“It must have happened within the last 24 hours as I walked passed it three times yesterday and it wasn’t there.”
The statues, which commemorate those who fought in the First World War, were installed by Southend Council in a number of locations across the area.
One was previously defaced in November, in Shoebury, within a day of it being on display.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel