Fury as 'mindless scum' ruin artwork
By Leyton and Leytonstone GuardianA MAJOR piece of public art worth £7,000 has been destroyed by vandals in Leytonstone town centre. The Leaf Memory sculpture designed by artist Stephen Duncan was demolished in two or three separate attacks last week, the council said. The vandals left nothing but a pile of rubbish lying on the pavement. The work was installed last year as part of the council's £2 million renovation programme for the town centre. The council is currently investigating a possible claim for insurance with a view to getting the sculpture replaced. A council spokesman said: "We are seeking advice from our insurers as to how to proceed with any claim. "At this stage we are hoping to get the piece replaced, although we may have to consider locating it elsewhere, possibly even internally." Damage was also caused over the weekend to some of the Hitchcock murals in Leytonstone Underground station. Vandals used a spray can to deface some of the panels on the wall of the station. Cllr Clyde Loakes, the local ward councillor who holds the environment portfolio, was outraged by the news. He said: "I am shocked and appalled at what can only be described as an act of sheer mindless vandalism. "This artwork was installed around two years ago and created a lot of positive interest among local people and visitors to the area. "Quite what drives such a sick mind to do this kind of thing is beyond comprehension. The people who do this are scum." 15:25 Thursday 5th September 2002
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