Council intervenes after 'disrespect' at monument

Preston City Council said it had launched the campaign following incidents of "disrespect" including people eating lunch on the steps of the monument

Incidents of "disrespect" at a city's war memorial have led a council to urge the community to remember what the monument represents.

Preston City Council has placed A-boards asking people to "respect this space" following reports of anti-social behaviour.

A council spokesperson said that people leaning against the monument to roll cigarettes and resting bikes against the columns had become a common sight.

Lancashire Armed Forces Association president, Colonel David Waters said that "disrespecting it is disrespecting ourselves", urging people to "never forget what it stands for".

The council is calling on residents to spread awareness of the campaign via the hashtag #RespectPrestonCenotaph

"Our cenotaph deserves respect because it reminds us of the sacrifices made by Preston's men and women to protect what we hold dear - our homes, our way of life, and our British values," said Col Waters.

He urged people to "keep it clean, keep it tidy and treat it with care".

A council spokesperson said the monument, originally built to commemorate the fallen of World War One, "stands as a solemn tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in service".

Council leader Matthew Brown said: "Through this campaign, we aim to foster a renewed sense of pride and awareness, reminding everyone of the importance of treating this site with the respect it deserves."

A council spokesperson said they were inviting residents to spread awareness of the campaign by using #RespectPrestonCenotaph to reinforce the message that the memorial was a place of remembrance and reflection for all.

Residents were also urged to report any sightings of antisocial behaviour in and around the structure to Preston Police or through the council's online complaints form.