'It's a constant worry when I go up there': pressure builds on council to secure Northampton cemetery

After ornaments from her loved ones grave were damaged one lady is challenging Northampton Borough Council to secure a Northampton cemetery before it happens again.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Sep 2018, 15:24 BST
Updated 25th Sep 2018, 18:54 BST
Sally wants Dallington Cemetery to be entirely gated to stop vandals from taking ornaments, including this blue teddy bear, from graves.Sally wants Dallington Cemetery to be entirely gated to stop vandals from taking ornaments, including this blue teddy bear, from graves.
Sally wants Dallington Cemetery to be entirely gated to stop vandals from taking ornaments, including this blue teddy bear, from graves.

Sally Nicholson has laid several family members to rest in Dallington Cemetery and is now concerned about how secure the area is after she found special possessions from her loved one's graves, including sunflowers, lanterns and angels, in the bin.

At the bottom of the cemetery is a gap between the bushes, which is thought to be used as an unofficial entrance to the graveyard by the vandals who have also taken ornaments off a stillborn baby's grave, and thrown them into a bush.

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Sally reported the incident to the police on August 23 and said she also called Northampton Borough Council the following morning to share her concerns about the lack of security.

Sally Nicholson, who visits the graveyard a few times a week to pay her respects, is campaigning for a fence to be put up in Dallington Cemetery after items from her loved ones graves have recently been binned.Sally Nicholson, who visits the graveyard a few times a week to pay her respects, is campaigning for a fence to be put up in Dallington Cemetery after items from her loved ones graves have recently been binned.
Sally Nicholson, who visits the graveyard a few times a week to pay her respects, is campaigning for a fence to be put up in Dallington Cemetery after items from her loved ones graves have recently been binned.

Since she first got in touch with the Chronicle & Echo three weeks ago she said there have been no improvements to the security at the graveyard and is calling for an update.

But a spokeswoman for Northampton Borough Council today said: “Fencing and thorny bushes will be installed this week to help fill the gap in the hedges and deter people from using it as an entrance to the cemetery.”

Sally added: "You can't stop vandalism but you can stop that walk through. That's so fantastic, I'm really thrilled."

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"I would like to thank the Chronicle & Echo for helping me highlight this unacceptable situation. I would also like to thank the council for recognising this as a problem and for installing the appropriate fencing and shrubbery.

"On behalf of all who have loved ones at Dallington Cemetery, it is lovely to think action has been taken."

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police said there has been no updates in their investigation.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 and Northampton Borough Council on 0300 330 7000.

Related topics:NorthamptonNorthamptonshire Police