Council condemns Pride display destruction

Published on 12 June 2023

Vandalism of the Pride flag and bunting at the Memorial Park in Whaley Bridge has been strongly condemned by the Borough Council.

June is Pride month when the LGBTQ+ community and culture is celebrated and the flag and other display items are a visual show of the Council's support.

But last week the flag in the park was taken from the flag pole and burnt and bunting was ripped from notice boards and the Wheatsheaf Road entrance and discarded in the river below.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "It's so disappointing and frustrating to see these items targeted for vandalism in this way. Whilst it is a minority of a minority that carry out hate crimes such as this, their actions won't be tolerated and this incident has been reported to the Police.

"High Peak is a place where everyone is welcome and, during Pride month, we're proud to support the LGBTQ+ community with this visual display. Sadly, the damage that's occurred in the Memorial Park only demonstrates why it continues to be necessary and visibility is still a frightening prospect for many.

"But we will not be deterred and, I'm delighted to say that, thanks to the quick actions of our fantastic park ranger Trefor Jones, the flag and bunting were all replaced the following day and we are proud that our support is, once again, plain to see."

Anyone witnessing a hate crime can report it to the Police on 101.