Crematorium bosses say a treasured memorial plaque found snapped in half was destroyed by vandals.

The damage was discovered by Clare Marsh and her family, who visited the site at Barham to put flowers in a commemorative vase.

The ornament was placed in memory of her parents, Peter and Joan Salmon, from Chartham, who died in 1986 and 1996 respectively.

But the family were horrified and upset to find their name plaque had been ruined, along with five others on the site.

Clare, 40, who lives in Aylesham and works for Brewers in Wincheap, said: “We were appalled. At the time the superintendent told us he was unaware of the damage and it must have happened that morning.

“But there were no pieces of the plaque lying around and the damage did not look new.

“In the past it was always immaculate but, sadly, ours was not the only damaged vase.

“We feel the crematorium, which charges us £75 a year to have a plaque, is more interested in profit than bereaved family’s feelings.

“We were assured it would be rectified but it does not take away the upset it has caused us.”

Crematorium regional manager Alan Jose says he too was upset the damage had been caused and apologised to Mrs Marsh.

He said: “We have been having the chapel redecorated because it had started to look a bit tired.

“That involved the memorial plaques being removed, but the decorators have now assured us that none were damaged in the process.

“These things don’t get broken on their own and we can only conclude that they have been vandalised, which is very disappointing in a place where you would expect to find respect.

“We are aware it is the anniversary of Mrs Marsh’s mother’s death this week and are trying to ensure the new plaque is in place in time for that.

“We have also waived part of the payment because of the upset caused to the family.”

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