Many of the perimeter headstones in St Alfege Park Greenwich have been removed and reduced to rubble, reports Greenwich.co.uk. Alarmingly, the destruction of the historic memorials was not an act of random vandalism, but appears to have been sanctioned by a local residents group.
There's still some mystery over how this desecration happened. A spokesperson for the Community Payback probationary scheme is on record saying the clearance was done at the behest of 'a representative of The Friends of St Alfege Park'. The Friends group have yet to comment on the matter, so we await their side of the story.
At least two members of the local council have expressed dismay. Cllr Nigel Fletcher described the act as 'appalling desecration' and told Greenwich.co.uk: "Whatever instructions were given should never have been allowed to be carried out, and I hope we will get some answers, fast, on just what happened."
The article on Greenwich.co.uk has attracted many comments from amazed locals. Meanwhile, Greenwich Phantom has more coverage, and some background historical information about the deconsecrated church yard.
