War shame

By Alesha Capone

A VETERAN’S grandson has joined a growing chorus of people calling for warning signs to stop people driving over war memorial plaques in West Footscray.

Peter Surman noticed cars and trucks parked on top of the Old Geelong Rd war memorials a few weeks ago.

“I was disgusted, my granddad fought in World War II. I felt like people were being extremely disrespectful to the memory of WWII soldiers,” he said.

There are 257 plaques along the road’s median strip and side nature strips.

“I would’ve thought the council would’ve put up barriers or signs to stop people parking over it,” Mr Surman said.

Yarraville war widow Jean King said some of the war plaques were not easy to notice.

“I don’t believe many truckies would park on the plaques if the knew they were there,” she said.

Mrs King described parking on the war memorials as “desecrating the memory” of soldiers.

“There are no signs to say the plaques are there,” she said.

“I think if there was something put along there to advertise there was an avenue of honour there it would help. It’s an avenue of shame now.”

Western Metropolitan region MP Bernie Finn said the council should put up a sign warning where the plaques were.

“If council was to take it under consideration it would be very welcome,” he said.

Footscray Historical Society president and ex-serviceman Ron Palmer said he was pleased Maribyrnong City Council had committed to building a memorial for the plaques at a different site.

But Mr Palmer said he hoped people would stop parking over the plaques before then.

“It’s a shame it did happen, but now it has let’s hope it never happens again,” he said.

Maribyrnong City Council Mayor Sel Sanli did not commit to putting up the signs, but said the council had consulted with the community, the RSL, the Footscray Historical Society and the National Trust about what to do.

“Council is planning to construct a purpose-built memorial in Footscray Park to accommodate all plaques and to honour our fallen servicemen,” he said.

Work to retrieve and restore the plaques will begin in the 2010/2011 financial year.