PUBLIC funds will have to be used to rectify damage done to a war memorial in Minehead after it was tagged with graffiti, says the local council.

Reports that the memorial was defaced were first made to the town council on Wednesday, October 8. A Star of David, a heart and the date of October 7, 2023 were graffitied onto the memorial.

It is believed the date graffitied onto the memorial refers to the Hamas attack in Israel that led to the death of nearly 1200 Israelis, and resulted in a two year long conflict between the states of Israel and Palestine, with a ceasefire now in place.

Staff from the council made immediate efforts to remove the graffiti using in house resources, but it was decided that professional stone masons would be required to clean all four faces of the war memorial.

This was due to the specialist nature of the stone used, as well as concerns that a partial clean would leave visible traces. This approach would ensure the entire structure is treated appropriately and restored to its proper condition.

Minehead Town Council said arrangements were being made for this specialist work to be carried out as soon as possible, adding that the additional costs required to rectify the damage will be met through public funds.

The incident has since been reported to Avon and Somerset Police, where it is currently under investigation.

Residents who may have any information that could assist in identifying those responsible for the graffiti are urged to come forward and contact either Avon and Somerset Constabulary or Minehead Town Council.

A spokesperson for Minehead Town Council said: “The council strongly condemns this act of vandalism. The war memorial is of deep importance to our community, and we are committed to ensuring it is fully restored to the dignified standard it deserves.”