Street signs honouring hero vandalised

A section of Church Street which was renamed Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way

Two street signs honouring a Heywood military hero have been vandalised. Vandals targeted the signs and removed the lettering as well as kicking, scratching and gouging out part of the boards.

Part of Church Street was re-named Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way last year after the soldier was awarded the military cross for his bravery under fire.

Lance Corporal Shaw was honoured with the military cross last April after he risked his life to save the life of a fellow soldier in Afghanistan.

The road re-naming was organised by Heywood Township Committee and Rochdale Council with the support of the Lancashire Veterans Association (LVA).

The LVA is now offering a £50 reward in relation for any information relating to the vandalism.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead member for the Armed Forces, said: “On behalf of the council and the people of Heywood we condemn this despicable act of mindless vandalism to the street name signs honouring Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC. This shows complete disrespect to not just him but all the fallen soldiers from Rochdale borough and the rest of the United Kingdom.

"We will endeavour to repair or replace the signs as soon as possible. We would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to contact the police.”

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101.