Port Sunlight’s Hillsborough memorial garden attacked by vandals

Jun 10 2009 by Vicky Anderson, Birkenhead News

Port Sunlight’s Hillsborough memorial garden attacked by vandals

MINDLESS vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a Wirral memorial to the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Residents of Port Sunlight have spoken of their shock and upset at waking to find an “absolute scene of devastation” at their memorial garden.

A gang targeted the stonework around the garden on Saturday night, loosening it and then pulling down and throwing parts of the wall.

The commemorative area was built by Unilever shortly after the stadium disaster 20 years ago. It is a focus of memorial activity on the April 15 anniversary of Hillsborough.

But it is also a popular spot for happier gatherings, and is a favourite for wedding day photo shoots. Margaret Aspinall of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, who lost her 18-year-old son James in the tragedy, said: “It is an absolute disgrace. They don’t know how many people they are upsetting, and if they do, they should be ashamed of themselves.

“It is a lovely memorial, and it was so kind of them to do it for the 96.

“It means a great deal to the families, as well as ordinary members of the public.”

A witness to the vandalism said she heard the revving of a motorbike just after midnight on Sunday, and went outside to see the wall falling and three youths running away.

She said: “It is an absolute scene of devastation.

“I can’t believe the damage that has been done. Nothing like this has ever happened in the village, not on this scale.”

Police arrived on the scene minutes after being called but the vandals had already run off.

Wirral Detective Inspector Andy O'Connor said: “We have no idea what the motive is behind this incident, but we will do all that we can to find the individuals responsible. This is a despicable attack.”