Outrage as Covid memorial smashed up by vandals

A memorial to commemorate the efforts of NHS staff and other key workers during the coronavirus pandemic has been smashed up by vandals.

The plaque and tree, planted in 2020 at the gardens by Shaw town centre in Oldham, have been discovered uprooted and broken to pieces.

Oldham Councillor Louie Hamblett said whoever was responsible had gone "out of their way" to target the features, with the incident reported to the police.

Putting up a replacement for the damaged plaque and tree is set to be discussed by Shaw & Crompton Town Council later this week.

Hamblett said he was "devastated" by the damage, which was reported days before the fifth anniversary of the first lockdown in the UK.

He said: "Someone has gone out their way to target a dedicated memorial that thanks our hard-working NHS and blue light services during one of the most challenging times since the Second World War."

The councillor said he remembers inviting ward sister Rachel Diskin and ward clerk Alyson Hopkinson from Royal Oldham Hospital to sit on the memorial bench in the area when it was unveiled.

Each had treated Covid patients throughout the pandemic, he said.

Hamblett said he has urged the parish council to "make good and ensure that a Covid memorial, tree and bench be put back to good, like for like".

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