A local councillor has hit out after a stone donated to the people of Arbroath by Polish forces stationed in the area during the second world war was defaced with spray paint.
The two-ton stone, located near the war memorial at the High Common, was gifted to the town by the 12th Polish Field Ambulance in September 1945, and was unveiled in a ceremony by Captain Edward Ruzytto of the Polish army, and presented to Provost Lamb on behalf of the town.
A plaque bearing the inscription “Presented to the people of Arbroath by the 12th Polish Field Ambulance in token of their gratitude, 1st September 1945”, was in place, with another plaque added at a later date when the original one became worn.
It is the second plaque, and the stone itself that has been damaged with green spray paint, although it is not known when the damage took place.
Arbroath independent Councillor Lois Speed has condemned those responsible and has asked the local authority to have the paint removed.
She said: “I became aware of this vandalism as a result of being tagged into a Facebook post and I reported it straight away.
“I am pleased to say that council officers responded very promptly, and I have been informed that the community justice team are removing the graffiti on Sunday with no charge to the council, which is good news.
“It’s hard to say if this recent act forms part of a particular pattern of behaviour where individuals are deliberately targeting historical places of interest, but unfortunately it feels like any area, property, place or item can be targeted and it’s all completely unacceptable.
“Attacks like this are sickening and the impact on time and resources when the council are already financially challenged is very worrying.
“I would like to reiterate what I have said previously and that it is a small minority who take part in these thoughtless acts and it doesn’t truly reflect the fact that we have outstanding citizens who care and are actively concerned and involved in contributing to the good works within the town.
“That for me is the most frustrating and upsetting part in all of this.
“I know how much people care, how much time some people spend within their community and people are sick of this.
“I hope that the community pull together, keep up the good works and stay mindful of all that Arbroath has going for it.
“I would encourage anyone that has any information to contact Police Scotland.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “There is nothing whatsoever to be achieved by this mindless vandalism other than impacting on the local community.
“It is completely unnecessary and if you know who is responsible, please get in touch with Police Scotland on 101″
