Graves of war veterans in Walton are being desecrated by young skateboarders using them for their stunts.
John Halls, chairman of Walton and District Royal British Legion, has hit out at the youngsters, saying he is outraged by their behaviour.
The War Memorial Gardens, near the church, had been turned into a skateboard park and rubbish tip, he said.
Wrecked - John Halls, chairman of Walton and District Royal British Legion, shows the damage inflicted by skateboarders at the War Memorial Gardens, Walton.
Mr Halls said: "The children put pallets over the graves and use the steps of the memorial for their skateboards."
Three crosses had been broken and a new seat put there was vandalised within 24 hours, he said.
The gardens are home to about 200 gravestones and graves and Mr Halls said it was a central feature of the town with many people enjoying sitting there.
Responsibility for the gardens falls to Tendring Council.
Mike Page, Tendring Council spokesman, said: "We are looking at the feasibility of prohibitive signs in the gardens."
Published Tuesday October 15, 2002
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