DAMAGE done to the new Frankston war memorial at Beauty Park has been repaired by Frankston Council workers.
Mayor Cr James Dooley said council “was extremely disappointed to be made aware of alleged damage to the new Frankston war memorial in the lead up to Anzac Day” (‘Skateboarders mar memorial’, The Times 20/4/16).
“We consider any mark on the memorial that isn’t the name of person who has served to be exceptionally offensive to those who gather at this site to pay their respects to those who served and sacrificed to protect the freedom of others,” he said.
“Council is currently investigating the installation of signage at the memorial, urging parents to stop their children from playing on the memorial as a sign of respect.”
Cr Dooley said council workers determined some of the marks left on the memorial wall were caused by children sliding down the wall “with rubber from their shoes coming off as they slid down”.
“We are also aware of some local youth who have taken to social media to discourage any negative behaviour that may cause damage to the memorial. We are delighted to see the youth of Frankston standing up for their local community.
“Council has surveillance procedures in place which may be used to identify offenders and provided to local police for further investigation.”
The mayor said the company who won the design and construct tender for the Frankston War Memorial, skate park designers Convic Pty Ltd, are putting together a range of additional measures to limit skateboard and BMX riding on the new memorial for council to consider.
