Walsall Council has released a statement to clarify that images recently circling on social media showing vandalism of children’s graves at Willenhall Lawn Cemetery were from last year.
The disturbing pictures sparked a new outcry with many believing that a new spate of vandalism had taken place.
Bereavement staff immediately went to examine the graves and found no signs of damage.
The images show damage from approximately 12 months ago and the council reacted by installing CCTV at the cemetery to help prevent further instances of vandalism.
Old Images Spark New Concerns
Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader for Resilient Communities said:
“I imagine that this speculation has very naturally caused a great deal of concern to many bereaved families and I would like to reassure them that we are taking this matter very seriously.
“Our cemeteries are public places for quiet reflection and remembrance and it is important that visitors feel safe on these sites and also that their loved ones’ graves are safe.
“Almost 12 months ago, there was an incident at Willenhall Lawn Cemetery which was investigated and resulted in the installation of additional CCTV. It seems that images taken at that time have appeared again on social media this week and no doubt people seeing those images will believe them to be recent.”
Nevertheless, Councillor Perry states that they will be monitoring the area closely over the next few weeks. He said:
“We are mindful that this time of the year might have some significance to the person who caused the previous damage. Our cemetery staff will be stepping up our monitoring of this area over the next few weeks.”
If any parents or family members have any information or concerns, please contact our bereavement services team, or, if they believe a crime has been committed, to contact West Midlands Police.