Unauthorized horse grazing damages graveyard

Unauthorized horse grazing in a graveyard has damaged the site and upset residents.

Shildon Town Council, which maintains the grounds of All Saints Church, said recent damage was "very disrespectful" to families with relatives buried in the area.

The horse which was grazing there has been removed and signs have been put up by Durham County Council to prevent future incidents.

A spokesperson for Durham Neighbourhood Wardens said any horses found grazing illegally would be removed.

A Dioceses of Durham spokesperson said they were aware of the incident at the "closed burial ground".

The church was built in the 1860s and closed in 1998. It has been empty ever since.

A neighbourhood warden spokesperson said: "Some locals have damaged the All Saints Church graveyard by tethering their horses illegally.

"Our advice is if you buy a horse or pony then do the right thing and get your own land first."

A Shildon Town Council spokesperson said: "Not only is the area not a safe environment for a horse but very disrespectful to those families who have relatives buried within the churchyard.

"The horse has since been removed and signage installed."

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