Salford mayor Paul Dennett has said he is ‘deeply saddened and appalled’ following the destruction of a Holocaust memorial bench in Clowes Park.
The bench, which was installed in 2019 to commemorate victims of the Holocaust, was found smashed and dumped in the park’s boating lake. It had been fitted with an audio box playing a recording of local Holocaust survivor Chaim Ferster, allowing visitors to hear his testimony.
The memorial was intended to provide a place for reflection and education, highlighting the experiences of Holocaust survivors and ensuring their stories are not forgotten. Its damage has caused distress in the local community, particularly among those involved in its installation and upkeep.
Police have been informed and inquiries are under way to establish how the bench was damaged and who was responsible. Salford City Council is also assessing the extent of the damage and the steps needed to repair or replace the memorial.
Dennet added: ‘Hate has no place in our great diverse and vibrant City of Salford and we stand shoulder to shoulder with all our residents & communities in the face of such adversity, showing the Spirit of Salford in all that we do!’
