War monument vandalised in Chichester - 'I feel this is just the start'

Resident Janet Siznur, who regularly walks her dog through Litten Gardens, said she noticed yesterday morning (Wednesday, March 11), that a flower attached to the WWI monument had been 'pulled out' and left on the ground.

"It is so disrespectful," she said. "It's just unnecessary.

"I dread to think what will happen next. I feel this is just the start."

Janet said it followed a spate of anti-social behaviour in the area, involving alcohol and drugs.

She said: "I regularly see people drunk and taking drugs. I saw someone passed out on the bench.

"I reported it to the police before but it's got worse. I am worried for the monument."

Chichester City Council, which is responsible for the maintenance of Litten Gardens, said there have also been 'past instances of vandalism'.

A spokesman said: "Any act of vandalism, especially at Litten Gardens, is to be regretted as this area contains not only the war memorial, but our garden of reflection and reconciliation and the sculpture of L/Cpl Maurice Patten of the Royal Sussex Regiment.

"It is an area that many people enjoy during the day, and we receive favourable comments about the standards of maintenance by our two-man team.

"The city council will continue to work with the police and other agencies to address such matters. We remain grateful to several very vigilant members of the public who have reported instances of concern."

Chichester District Councilsaid it was 'saddened to hear about the recent vandalism'.

A spokesperson said: "We are committed to working with the police, ChiBac, Chichester BID and other partners to try and reduce crime in the area.

"Our community wardens patrol the city centre on a daily basis and report any crime or suspicious activity.

"We also share our CCTV coverage with the police so that they can try and take action against perpetrators. We are also part of the Community Safety Partnership, where we closely monitor community safety issues with our partners and plan our response."

Have you read?: Coronavirus: Chichester City Council says anyone feeling unwell is ‘strongly advised’ not to attend meetings or events

Former Chichester holiday camp worker is now a police recruit after heroic response to assault

Chichester man sentenced for sexually assaulting and biting woman