A mother grieving for her dead son is "appalled" at the condition of the cemetery where he is buried.

Unhappy - Ann Foster at Witham cemetery off Cypress Road. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

Off-duty paramedic Lee Foster, 29, of Holly Walk, Witham, was killed when his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a lorry in August last year.

He was buried in Witham cemetery, off Cypress Road, but his mother Ann has spoken of her despair at the behaviour of some people who vandalise the cemetery and treat it with disrespect.

She claimed it was used by parents and children as a "playground" to cycle and play ball games in. And she said it was used by dog owners, who swear when they are challenged for letting their animals foul in it.

She added the gates and fences were in a "disgraceful" condition due to vandalism or damage from road vehicles.

Mrs Foster, of Beadle Way, Great Leighs, who regularly visits the cemetery, said: "We've got a seat in there in memory of Lee, and this woman was sitting on the bench and her two children were picking flowers from Lee's grave."

Michael Ashby, Braintree Council's cemeteries superintendent, said: "We'll do all we can."

He said he had spoken to the police crime reduction officer, and was following some of her suggestions, including clearer signs, banning cycling, ball games and dogs.

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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