Users of Thanet Crematorium have hit out at the council after it was left in an “appalling state”.

People who visited the crematorium over the weekend were horrified to find flowers and tributes blown over the grounds.

Locals have slammed the lack of maintenance and say it should have been cleared up quicker out of respect to the families.

One regular visitor, Joshua Coombs, said: “It was upsetting to see.

“There has not been enough winds for well over a week now to cause this disrespectful and appalling sight and many of the flowers had long since died or wilted.

“I have been informed that this was the same during mid week as well which leads me to believe this is a lack of grounds maintenance.

“To think these are families' tributes to their loved ones. Very upsetting.

“I have visited there for many years and have never seen it in such an appalling state.

"I had seen lots clearly kicked and thrown and trampled - disgusting."

Cllr Karen Constantine has reported the issue to Kent County Council and Thanet District Council.

She said: "I was sorry and disappointed to see the poor state of the crematorium, with what looked like old and dead flowers strewn everywhere.

"However, this is one location that simply must be looked after and it must look cared for.

"This is a special and significant place.

"During inclement weather extra resource should be allocated.

"I really hope that this doesn't happen again, hasn't upset people to much, and I'm grateful to people to alerting me to this situation."

The area was cleared this morning following the backlash.

A TDC spokesman said: “Our Crematorium team has been out in the lawns this morning clearing away the flowers and plastic.

“The wind frequently causes flowers and plastic wrapping to blow across the lawn.

"We endeavour to clear them as quickly as possible in the event of this happening.”