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Working to prevent further vandalism
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 10th Dec 2002.
TOUGHER materials could be used to repair the Swindon Disease Memorial Garden, after vandals went on a £1,000 wrecking spree two days before it was due to be finished.
The attack at the Queens Park site happened overnight between Thursday and Friday. A decorative fence was ripped down and plants and shrubs were torn from the ground.
The garden, just inside the Drove Road entrance to the park, was supposed to be completed in time for Christmas, but now that has been put in jeopardy.
Council spokeswoman Hellen Barnes confirmed that Swindon Services garden staff had been working hard since the attack to repair the damage.
She added: "The council is now considering using stronger fencing to strengthen and protect the garden from other attacks. We hope work can be completed by Christmas."
The Swindon Disease Memorial Garden was funded by Evening Advertiser readers and firms and groups, who together raised more than £12,000.
The Swindon Disease medical name mesothelioma is so called because many former Railway Works staff have succumbed to the deadly asbestos-related cancer.
As well as being a tribute to victims, the garden will be a place where families and friends of victims can go to remember their loved ones.
Relatives of the dead have been left angry and upset by the vandalism.
Terry Farrell, 66, paid £50 towards the Evening Advertiser's appeal in remembrance of his brother, Mike, who died three years ago.
After hearing of the attack, Mr Farrell, who lives at Honey Court in Walcot, said he was devastated.
He said: "I am disgusted with it. When I was a young man I didn't think of anything nasty like that. I am really choked up about it."
Insp David McMullin of Swindon police has appealed for witnesses to the attack. Anybody with information is asked to contact the force on Swindon 528111 or the CrimeStoppers hotline on (0800) 555 111.
Anyone who could help replace some of the broken fencing is asked to contact the Evening Advertiser newsdesk on Swindon 528144.
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