Council condemns vandalism of Nelson war memorial
Published Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
Pendle Borough Council has condemned the vandalism of Nelson’s cenotaph which honours the town’s heroes who lost their lives in war or conflict.
The Boy Scout statue and memorial which includes the names of Nelson men and women who were killed while serving their country have been scribbled on with chalk.
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “War memorials are important places of remembrance and should be treated with dignity and respect.
“The cenotaph provides a place for people to remember those who never returned home – it’s a lasting tribute to the local people who gave their lives for their country.”
In 2025, Nelson’s cenotaph was updated with additional names following an appeal to local residents whose relatives had been missed from the initial inscriptions.
Mike Sutcliff, Chairman of Pendle Armed Forces Support Group, added: “The graffiti was very disappointing to see.
“The cenotaph is there as a constant reminder to us all of the ultimate sacrifice made by Nelson residents who were members of the Armed Forces.”
The memorial remembers those who died in National Service, the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Afghanistan and other conflicts.
Pendle Borough Council has reported the vandalism to Lancashire police and removed the graffiti.