Giant poppy display is smashed by vandals

A giant poppy display that decorated a bandstand in Eastleigh has been targeted by vandals
A giant poppy display that decorated a bandstand in Eastleigh has been targeted by vandals - Eastleigh Borough Council/Solent News

A giant poppy display in a Hampshire town was targeted by vandals over the weekend, the local council has said.

The Remembrance Day poppy installation decorated a bandstand in Eastleigh in memory of sacrifices made in the First World War, but has now been removed by authorities, who have described it as a “great shame”.

Gaz Richardson, who represents the Lib Dems on Eastleigh town council, said he was “disgusted” following the reports.

He wrote on X: “I’m deeply saddened and disgusted to hear that Remembrance poppies displayed on Eastleigh’s bandstand were vandalised.

“Their destruction is a huge disappointment to our community, the Royal British Legion and everyone who holds the Remembrance season close to heart.”

The incident took place over the weekend of Nov 2 and Nov 3 at the bandstand in Leigh Road.

The display was first erected in 2020 as a mark of support during the Covid pandemic, with the tradition continuing in the following years.

The display was erected in memory of sacrifices made in the First World War
The display was erected in memory of sacrifices made in the First World War - Sharon Laithwaite/Solent News

Similar incidents were also reported in Bradford on Tuesday, with Keighley town council confirming its poppy display on a section of lamp-posts on Parkwood Street had been vandalised.

“Ahead of Remembrance Day, Keighley town council proudly displayed poppies on lamp-posts across the town as a tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom,” the council said. “This project, funded by 18 councillors from their ward development committee, was intended to honour their sacrifice.

“Sadly, a section of the display on Parkwood Street has been vandalised, with poppies ripped down from the lamp-posts.”

The council urged residents to check CCTV footage between Nov 3 and Nov 4 and anyone with information should contact West Yorkshire Police.

A spokesperson from Eastleigh borough council said: “This is a mindless and hugely disrespectful act of vandalism and a great shame for the local community, the Royal British Legion and everyone involved in Remembrance and Armistice 2024.”