Disgust at poster on memorial

I have not written to a newspaper before, but when I saw what Oakengates Town Council had done to the memorial gates on the Hartshill Park it made my blood boil.

To advertise the Christmas lights in Oakengates, they had attached a large poster on these gates.

This was displayed just above the wreaths, hung there only a week before in memory of the people who had fallen in the two world wars.

One of these wreaths had been laid by the chairman of the town council.

These gates were restored by the former mayor of Oakengates, with his charity fund earlier this year.

They were dedicated to the brave people who sacrificed their lives. These gates act as a cenotaph and are sacred and should be respected as such.

Although my grandfather's name is on the cenotaph in Wordsley, I still treat other people's memorials with respect, something Oakengates Town Council seems to lack.

How can you lay a wreath one week, showing respect, then the next week display a poster?

I have spoken to two town councillors about this. One apologised and was as concerned as me, the other stated this was the normal practice. A practice that should cease immediately.

I understand the need to advertise the switching on of the Christmas lights, but surely another place could be found?

Please show some compassion and respect for those who laid down their lives for their friends, to which there is no greater sacrifice.

Maureen Trafford Oakengates