Covid Memorial destroyed on anniversary

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Crompton Ward Louie Hamblett has been devastated to learn that the Covid Memorial, Bench and Tree has been decimated on the fifth anniversary of the introduction of covid lockdowns.

Cllr Hamblett said: “Somone has gone out their way to target a dedicated memorial that thanks our hard-working NHS and blue light services during one of the challenging times since the second world war.”

Many people have reacted on social media comments hitting out and in disgust of the mindless and cruel act of vandalism.

Cllr Hamblett finalised by saying “When I was Vice Chair of the Parish Council we invited Ward Sister Rachel Diskin and Ward Clerk Alyson Hopkinson (Royal Oldham Hospital) who had treated COVID patients and supported their relatives and friends throughout the pandemic (and continue to do so) we ask them to sit on the memorial bench and share their thoughts and recount their direct experiences during the pandemic. It was always a hope and still is that many people can sit enjoy the gardens and take a moment to reflect in their own way on the pandemic and I have urged that the Town council make good and ensuring that covid memorial, tree and bench be put back to good like for like.”