HUNDREDS of gravestones in an Ashford cemetery have been pulled down due to new safety laws.

Alfred Brown, of Waterside, Willesborough, was devastated to find his parents' gravestones lying on the ground at Bybrook Cemetery, Cemetery Lane.

He visited the cemetery with his wife last Sunday and was shocked to see more than 200 headstones on the ground, including those of his mother, father and friends.

"My wife was in tears, and was just devastated it's such a shame," said Mr Brown. "I have been visiting the cemetery for over 20 years since my father died. Every week my wife, sister-in-laws or myself come here.

"It is understandable that some old headstones might need repairing, but a lot of these are really new and very strong."

Ashford Borough Council spokesman Adrian Westwood said: "We have been told by the Health and Safety Executive there has been an increase in the number of people being injured and killed by falling headstones.

"Although there have been none reported in the Ashford area we have been issued with these instructions and we have a duty to ensure they are safe. Any headstones that do not meet the requirements will be lowered to the ground."

Families were given no warning of the plans and were left to find out by notices left on the graves of loved ones. They read: "Memorial laid down for reasons of safety. Do not attempt to reinstate. Contact the cemeteries officer."

Inspections were carried out on all the headstones using a wrench system to test the leverage of the stones. People wanting to repair the pulled down headstones will have to pay.

Mr Brown said: "Every time I go there I touch the stones and there has never been a problem. Now they have broken some of them by forcing them over. The council should have made an effort to contact the families instead of just leaving notices."

Mr Westwood said: "We have no idea who owns the graves - they are privately owned. It is made quite clear what has happened by the notices.

"We are, in fact, protecting the public because if a headstone fell on someone the owner would be liable and could get sued."