Upset residents in Highbridge have called on police to step up patrols after discovering that a SECOND plaque has been stolen from a public garden in the town.
Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report earlier this week that a bronze plaque dedicated to wartime hero Frank Foley had been removed from Southwell Gardens.
Now, angry members of Highbridge’s Frank Foley Committee have found that a second bronze plaque dedicated to American soldiers who served in Burnham and Highbridge in the second World War has been taken.
The committee’s Pam Lyes told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s so upsetting think that someone is targeting these gardens.”
“It is incredibly sad to see Highbridge’s heritage being stolen like this. These plaques are irreplaceable.”
“We have no idea when this second theft occurred – but can only assume that they are being taken for their scrap metal value which is just so ruthless.”
Pam has contacted Burnham Police and wants security to be stepped up. “We would like to see more patrols of these gardens – it makes you nervous to think someone is doing this.”
The second plaque – which had been place since the 1970s – was dedicated to American soldiers responsible for the operation of a large petrol depot located in our area.
The fuel played a major role in the invasion of the French coast on 6th June 1944 and in support of Allied advances on the continent.
Anyone with information about the thefts should contact Burnham Police via 0845 456 7000 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Pictured: (top) Pam Lyes and Shirley Adams from the Frank Foley Committee, and (above) Highbridge’s Southwell Gardens
