Another grave damaged at High Wycombe cemetery | | | |
"Mr Chandler said: "We're absolutely gutted, fuming in fact. We came up here on Monday and we've been trying to put it back together ever since. "Three of the vases have been broken, so has the windmills, and some of the butterflies are missing. "The artificial flowers have gone and they couldn't have blown away because they were dug about six inches into the ground – it is sentimental stuff. "It's a mess and we don't know why anyone would do it – my wife hasn't taken it well and nor have the kids, they keep crying and shouting Olivia's name. "There's no security here and that has to change. I've been speaking to some of the guys who work here and they said they've been asking for years but no-one has done anything about it – it's terrible." Mr Chandler is due to raise the issue with Wycombe District Council next week – but he hailed Cllrs Julia Wassell and Matt Knight, who raised £120 towards the grave refurbishment. He said: "They've been great – we couldn't afford it otherwise". WDC told the Bucks Free Press it would review security at the cemetery – a step in the right direction for the families after previously stating CCTV and other measures "would not be viable". Catherine Spalton, spokesman for WDC, said: "We appreciate how deeply distressing it is for friends and family when the grave of a loved one is damaged, disturbed or even vandalised. "We are sympathetic about the situation and will be reviewing site security, but at this point in time we can't give any guarantees about any future changes." Deputy Area Commander Ch Insp Colin Seaton, said the police do not believe this "mindless act of vandalism" is linked to April's attack on the Muslim graves." We would urge Muslim families in the area to join Mr Chandler in his approach to Wycombe District Council for CCTV and other security measures to be employed at the cemetery. http://www.iengage.org.uk/home/1-news/1392-another-grave-damaged-at-high-wycombe-cemetery |
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