Residents forced to take action after ‘disgraceful’ neglect of Brechin war memorial

A defaced war memorial will not be cleaned up until at least April due to a cash shortage.

The graffiti on the Brechin monument was reported eight months ago but a clean-up has been delayed as the council’s maintenance budget has been spent.

Residents have now organised a fundraising event to help out with the cost because they fear any work could still be months away.

Resident Steve Nicoll said: “My fear is we may reach the end of 2014 with no further development in this situation.

“It’s disgraceful to see graffiti on a monument of this stature.

“I originally hoped all memorials in the Angus area would get money donated for cleaning costs.”

The 90-year-old monument, which carries the names of local war veterans, has been vandalised by black marker pen.

An Angus Council spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the graffiti at the war memorial and will carry out cleaning and repatination of the bronze plaques to restore them to their former condition.

“It is anticipated this work will be carried out in the financial year 2014-15, as the maintenance budget in the current financial year has been identified for other priority projects.”