A WAR memorial in Pokesdown has been damaged by vandals.

The top of the stone cross on the memorial in the Peace Garden at St James’ Church was broken off.

The incident is believed to have happened over the weekend.

The memorial commemorates over 60

young men who fought in World War I.

Funds are being raised to repair the memorial.

Boscombe East councillor Andy Jones said it was “very frustrating” to hear of the vandalism.

“It’s shameful somebody has decided to do something like that to a war memorial. Somebody else has to pick up the tab for the damage. It’s dreadful.

“I expect the police will be going all out to catch the person concerned.

“Certainly myself and the other two ward councillors will make sure to raise awareness of the funds being raised to repair the memorial,” he added.

A fundraising page was already running to raise £500 for refurbishing the area around the memorial.

Anthony Allen, who organised the crowdfunding efforts, said the landscaping around the memorial was “unkempt and unappreciated”.

“To be ready for the commemoration of the end of World War 1 in November, removal of old vegetation and new planting is necessary. The memorial lists over 60 names of young men from the local area who gave their lives for their country,” he wrote on the JustGiving page.

“The physical labour will be freely given by volunteers, but we need funds for the purchase of new plants.

“Please help us to preserve the memory of these gallant soldiers and sailors,” he added. Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lestweforgetpokesdown for further details or to make a donation.