People can donate to fix memorials

A FUNDRAISER has been launched to repair a damaged war memorial in the town centre.

A police investigation was launched after damage to the Battle of the Somme memorial in the town centre.

It’s believed that screens containing photos of individuals who died on the first day of the battle were ‘destroyed’ between Friday June 17 and the following day.

Officers are appealing for residents with any information to come forward.

Sergeant Alun Oliver, from the Barnsley Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This looks to be wanton damage to a muchloved memorial which has caused anger among those who have seen the results.

“It is unclear the exact time the damage was caused, so we are appealing for anyone who may have been in the vicinity on the evening of June 17 and may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or anyone who has any CCTV or dash-cam footage which may have captured something, to come forward and help us with the investigation.”

Anyone with information which could assist with our enquiries is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 333 of June 22.

A fundraiser has been set up by Barnsley Museums to help repair the damage.

Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust were one of the organisations who contributed to the installation – and they’re asking for residents’ help.

A spokesperson added: “Please help us to restore this much-loved memorial and in doing so, honour the lives of those we lost during this horrendous battle.”

To donate, text BARNSLEYPALS to 70085 followed by the amount you wish to donate, or you can visit www. bhmt.org and donate there.

All profits at the Redfearn’s

Bar at Oakwell from tomorrow’s open day and match against Nottingham Forest will go towards the fundraiser, too.