Fury as thieves steal historic plaques

Stolen: The plaques as they were

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“Heartless” thieves have stolen historic plaques honouring two of the town’s 19th century writers.

Fears have grown that the two metal plaques, which were ripped off a statue in Broadfield Park, will be used for a quick sale or sold as scrap.

The monuments were erected in honour of Margaret Rebecca Lahee and Oliver Ormerod, who were well known dialect writers in the 1800s.

Their work is currently on display at Touchstones.

The Friends of Broadfield Park say they are “upset” by the news, but claim they will not be discouraged from improving the park.

As previously reported by Rochdale Online, campaigners are bidding for £50,000 of lottery funding to restore the old drinking fountain.

The park has recently undergone a refurbishment of 2.3M.

Bob Bevan, Rochdale Council’s warden for Broadfield Park said the attack on the park shows a “lack of respect”.

He added: “We have been trying to retain Green Flag status for the park and this heartless attack has cost us money for repairs.

“I’m worried that whoever has stolen them is going to use them for scrap. They might even turn up at a car boot sale.

“Please can everyone keep their eyes open for these plaques because they mean a lot to us”.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating the matter. If anyone has any information, please contact: 0161 872 5050, quoting crime reference numbers 63320P/09 and 065600W/09.