Vandals smash up gravestones (From Gazette & Herald)

Vandals smash up gravestones

HEADSTONES damaged by vandals in Norton may not be restored, civic leaders have warned.

Three old headstones in Beverley Road cemetery, Norton, were pushed to the ground and smashed by vandals on Saturday night.

One of them, an ornate stone cross, could cost more than £1,000 to restore - but only if relatives stepped in.

Norton's mayor Keith Mennell (pictured with one of the smashed gravestones) said it was very disappointing to see the damage caused.

"If it ever was repaired it would be very expensive," he admitted. "It does not look as though anyone still tends the gravestone because it is in the older part of the cemetery."

Coun David Lloyd-Williams said: "We were all a bit upset that after telling the police youths were going in there on Friday night, we then had this damage done on Saturday. They have ruined one of the better bits of ornamentation in the cemetery."

Anyone with information should contact the Ryedale Witness Line on (01723) 509662.

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, July 23, 2003