Logs and fences dumped on graves, visitors say

People visiting the graves of their relatives at a Kent cemetery say they have been left furious after finding piles of wood and plastic barriers covering their plots.

It comes after the local council said work had recently been carried out at Ramsgate Cemetery to clear a fallen tree.

Luther Oakes, who had tidied a family grave at the cemetery last month, said it was covered by waste when he returned with Christmas flowers over the weekend.

He said people with graves at the site had agreed with managers to keep their plots tidy and clear, adding: "But then they leave them like this, it's disgusting."

Chris Peebles visited the cemetery to put flowers on the grave of her grandmother and great grandparents, but said she was horrified by what she saw.

"The plot wasn't visible at first because of all the logs and barriers which had been dumped on top of it," she said.

"I'm disgusted that the workers can be so disrespectful and I have complained to the council. I'm praying that nothing has been damaged."

A spokesperson for Thanet District Council said their open spaces team carried out to make the fallen tree "safe" and to clear paths.

"This resulted in a significant amount of vegetation which is being cleared from the site," they said.

They said "the remaining debris" would be removed Monday and Tuesday, "ahead of the festive season when we know that people will be visiting their loved ones".

They added: "The large tree trunk will stay to provide an important habitat for a range of wildlife. It is not situated on any graves."

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