Vandalism and dog fouling is so bad that council bosses are to permanently lock cemetery gates in Willesborough.

They have announced the decision to bar entry from the adjacent recreation ground to the cemetery at the start of June following regular misuse of the sacred area.

Head of environmental services, Paul Jackson said that in recent years the cemetery has increasingly been used as an extension to the recreation area, with dog walkers letting their animals foul and children and youths playing ball games among the graves.

He said: “In addition the amount of vandalism in the cemetery has increased causing distress to those people attending graves.”

Following complaints, council officers met with local residents before making the decision which it said was taken with regret.

Anyone wishing to use the cemetery will be able to access it through the main gates.

Full story and a picture in next Thursday's Kentish Express.