A community leader has condemned the actions of vandals after a Ukrainian solidarity display in Hindley was set alight last night. The Morris Street display saw two Ukrainian flags burnt in an act of vandalism dubbed as ‘disappointing’.
Hindley councillors Paul Blay and James Talbot were called to the scene in the early hours of April 29 after the damage was done overnight. This was the first incident in six years at the display site.
“Unfortunately we got the call this morning to say that the two flags had been burnt,” Coun Paul Blay said.
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“We have had to remove the flags and the poles from the display. It is just disappointing.
“Councillor John Vickers had a similar issue with the Easter display in Hindley Green as well recently. I know it is not the same ward but it is along the same road and it is a bit concerning.
“It is just disappointing to see because it was showing solidarity with Ukraine and it was well received when it was erected. Whether there is an ulterior motive for political reasons or just kids I can’t be too sure.
“Nothing has ever been touched in six years which is why this is so surprising.
“There is a camera nearby and we are hoping it was pointing in the right direction to see who did it. I will be logging this with the police.”
Coun Blay explained that this was the first act of vandalism on their displays in six years - making it quite a concern that this came just weeks after the vandalism in Hindley Green. The incident six years ago saw Cecil and Cedric the donkeys stolen from the Christmas display. The story went viral at the time and saw huge media coverage with questions over who stole the donkeys.
However, this more recent act of vandalism has been greeted with more shock due to the circumstances of current climate with the Ukraine invasion, but Coun Blay said that the community would not let this stop them from continuing to put on their displays in the area.
The next display will commemorate the upcoming jubilee and involve the local youth. Coun Blay hopes that the same will not happen again and that this was “a small bump in the road”.
“If we are frightened that things will be vandalised all the time we would never do anything, we just have to suck it up and move forward,” Coun Blay concluded.
