War memorial and trees damaged in vandalism spree

VANDALS who targeted a war memorial in the village of Moy at Christmas have caused untold pain and anguish, it has been claimed.

On Christmas Day, an image was posted on social media showing a number of poppy wreaths ripped from the obelisk in the centre of Moy and left strewn across the ground.

It is understood that a number of trees were also broken during the attack.

Dungannon councillor Clement Cuthbertson said he was saddened by what he said was a familiar problem in the village which has grown to become a popular nightspot.

“To attack a war memorial – which is there to remember lives lost in the war and from both sides of the community – is very sad and is very upsetting particularly for those relatives who remember their loved ones here,” said the DUP man.

“Moy has become a very lively social spot over the last few years and unfortunately this type of thing, we have seen before. The council recently replaced a number of trees and it looks like some of them have been destroyed again.

“This latest attack has been reported to police by the British Legion and it’s something I will be following up. Some of the businesses in the town have CCTV, so it’s important that we try and find those responsible.”

Cllr Cuthbertson added, “I know the PCSP (Police and Community Safety Partnership) have been doing good work in Cookstown where there is a big night life and that is something they are looking to do in Moy. We have to try and stop people already intoxicated coming into Moy and causing these types of problems.”