A South Lanarkshire councillor is "totally appalled" after the area around a new war memorial was vandalised over the weekend. 

The council’s grounds team carried out work at the memorial in Glenview Park in Larkhall and planted flowers for the occasion of the coronation of King Charles.

However, over the weekend, the flower beds were damaged.

Councillor Richard Nelson (Larkhall), who was involved with the project, expressed his anger.

The National:

He said: I’m “disgusted and totally appalled that the flower beds have been attacked and vandalised.

“The plants didn’t even make a week, plants were removed, others pulled out and a vast amount just vandalised. Also to top the whole thing off a massive, big piece of dog dirt was left in the raised beds.

“I thought after all the work done people in Larkhall would appreciate our town and it really just goes to show what I am up against.

“I would have thought that the people of Larkhall would appreciate the work being put into the town for King Charles III’s coronation but it just goes to show what a small minority of mindless people can do to bring the town down.”

The National:

Kevin Carr, head of the council’s facilities, waste and grounds services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “It is always disappointing when vandalism occurs and is upsetting for everyone who witnesses it’s effects – and particularly so when it dishonours a memorial to those who have given their lives for us.

“We are aware of this incident, which mainly comprised plants being pulled out and in some cases stolen, and we will be replacing these and remedying the display.

“I would also urge anyone with information on this or any other acts of vandalism to contact the police.”