A COUNCILLOR has quit over a controversial decision to put 'caution' tape on 175 headstones at a Ribble Valley cemetery.

Cllr Susan Earnshaw, former chair of the Whalley, Wiswell and Barrow Burial Committee resigned from her position on Friday, September 2.

Families said they were 'upset' when they turned up to the Whalley, Wiswell and Barrow Cemetery and discovered the yellow warning tape on a large percentage of the headstones.

Cllr Earnshaw has said that the criticism she has received in the aftermath of the event has left her with no choice.

She said: "I just don't feel I want to continue, given the lack of support and the amount of animosity unfairly aimed at me.

"I'm afraid I'm not thick skinned enough for public life the way it is these days. The personal attacks on me devastated me.

"I've only ever wanted to give back to a community I loved. I now feel my name has been dragged through the mud and all the years of good I hope I achieved have been wiped out."

The cemetery is co-owned by Whalley, Wiswell and Barrow parish councils and is managed by a committee made up of councillors from all three parish councils.

Cllr Terry Hill who represents Whalley on Ribble Valley Council, said: "Cllr Earnshaw acted with the best of interests. She's worked very hard over the years and I wish her well."

A petition was set up following the tape being placed, campaigning against any interference with the gravestones at the cemetery, and amassed more than 850 signatures.

Tracey Edwardson, who launched the petition, said: "Cllr Earnshaw resignation was the only option in the circumstances to move forward.

"It's just all been dealt with incorrectly. It caused a massive nightmare, if only it could have been carried out better.

"Hopefully now it's been dealt with."

Cllr David Sleight will now assume the position of acting chair for the committee.

He said he wished to apologise to the families, whose loved ones are buried at the cemetery, for any stress and anxiety caused over the last few weeks.

He said: "The cemetery is once more a peaceful, tranquil setting for people to visit in safety."

The burial committee has now sought advice from the Ribble Valley Council about the issue.

A second inspection was carried about by the borough council, to recognised professional standards, which revealed two further memorials posed 'an immediate threat to the public'.

These were made safe by council officers, one which was 'laid flat' and a second which was 'repositioned to the rear of the plinth', a further 23 memorials, that while not posing a risk were advised to be 'repaired/stabilised in the short term'.