Copper stolen from Walsall war memorial

THIEVES who stole copper from a Walsall war memorial are the 'lowest form of life' who should be 'shipped to the front line', according to a council chief.

The vandals struck at the Barr Beacon monument, which honours the men from Staffordshire and Warwickshire who gave their lives in the First World War.

Between 8pm last Thursday and 9am on Friday they damaged the roof, wooden structure and a panoramic disc funded by a grant secured by Aldridge Rotary Club.

The stone structure off Beacon Road had its wooden beams exposed to the elements due to the copper roof being partly removed and has been covered with a tarpaulin to protect it from further damage.

A large cherry picker vehicle was used to inspect the damage and tools abandoned at the site have been forwarded to police for forensic analysis.

The Leader of Walsall Council, Pheasey Park Farm councillor Mike Bird, in whose ward the theft took place said he was 'absolutely appalled' after visiting the memorial on Saturday.

"As far as I am concerned I hope they are caught and shipped to Afghanistan," said Councillor Bird. "They are the lowest form of life and the amount of damage they have caused will run into thousands of pounds.

"Anybody who can desecrate a memorial for people who have fought for this country ought to be sent out to see first hand what our soldiers are facing on a day-to-day basis. I hope the people that caused this can sleep with their conscience."

Walsall Council has stepped up security at the site with extra patrols around the clock.

Councillor Bird has vowed that the council will find the money to put the damage right.

"It is paramount that something of this nature will be repaired," he said. "It transcends budget problems and it is vital that we get this back for the memory of those that fought and died for this country."

Councillor Adrian Andrew, chairman of Barr Beacon Trust, added: "This attack has sickened all of us who care about this important landmark.

"We hope the police will be able to catch those responsible and I would reiterate the plea for anyone who has any information to contact them."

A West Midlands police spokesman said they were investigating theft of a quantity of metal roofing plates worth £200 and urged anyone with information to contact police on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.