The man was arrested by police after a community tip-off on Monday night.

Police allege the man was seen skateboarding through Kings Parade around 10.30pm on Monday.

He returned to the area and produced a piece of wood which he allegedly use to smash three of the four spotlights that illuminate the Carillon.

Witnesses in the vicinity called police who arrested the man and charged him with malicious damage. He will front court at a later date.

The lights, which were installed at the Carillon many years ago to illuminate the memorial, are maintained by Bathurst Regional Council who were in the process of repairing the damage by Tuesday afternoon.

The alleged vandal attack has upset RSL Sub Branch members, who were shocked to hear the War Memorial had been targeted in such a pointless way.

Trustee with the sub branch, Bruce Irvine, said it was upsetting to hear the news.

“It is extremely disappointing. The Carillon is a war memorial and should be revered,” Mr Irvine said.

“I don’t like to see something like this in any community, especially ours.

"The Carillon holds a very special place in the community.

“War memorials commemorate the sacrifice of those who give us the life we have today. That’s why they hold such a special place in our lives.”

RSL Sub-Branch president David Mills agreed, saying the memorial aspect of the Carillon was very important to the community.

“It is sad someone feels the need to do such a mindless act,” he said.

“It could have just as easily been the lights out the front of the count house or council but for us the fact it was the war memorial, makes it more significant.”

This is not the first time the Carillon has been damaged.

In 2007 vandals defaced the memorial on the eve of Anzac Day, with volunteers repairing the damage.