A FURIOUS dog walker has described a council cemetery clearing policy as ‘abhorrent’.

Kevin Savage said he ‘couldn’t believe his eyes’ when he stumbled upon three council employees removing wreaths from graves in Clayton-le-Moors cemetery.

The 61-year-old said: “I was absolutely shocked, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“I was walking my dog when I spotted three men with a dumper truck clearing wreaths off the graves.

“It’s outrageous what they are doing, it’s sacrilege. There are people who have got loved ones buried in there who will be devastated.

“It’s like vandalism, it’s abhorrent.”

On investigation, Mr Savage discovered a sign attached to the cemetery gates, informing visitors that the council would be removing all tributes from Christmas or pertaining to the New Year from February 5.

The retired cemetery foreman said: “There was a flimsy A4 piece of paper stuck to the gate.

“Not everyone will notice the sign on the gate.

“When they come up to visit graves and see what’s going on they will be heartbroken.

“Why is is even necessary? Who is it offending?

“This is hurting people at their core. This is were their loved ones are buried.

“Hyndburn council really is the council that do not care.”

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Cemeteries said the clear outs were vital for keeping the cemetery tidy.

He said: “Keeping our cemeteries in pristine condition is important for our visitors and we get lots of positive feedback from families about the consistently high standards of the grounds.

“To help maintain this, every December we put notices up to let everyone know that during February the cemetery team will remove any Christmas wreaths and flowers which have not be taken back by families in order to keep the cemetery tidy and in top condition.”

However Mr Savage said he was concerned freshly laid tributes would be thrown away in error.

The father of four said: “There’s no way the lads doing the work can tell what is from Christmas and what is not.

“New wreaths are going to get thrown away and families are going to be heartbroken.

“As far as I’m concerned the council just don’t care.

“This kind of behaviour is just another nail, in the town’s coffin."