A WOMAN has renewed calls for CCTV to be installed in the cemetery where her mum is buried in an attempt to quell anti-social behaviour that continues to plague the graveyard.

Kerry Saunderson, from Prescot, says she was "mortified" after hearing reports of scrambler bikes riding around Fox's Bank Cemetery, in Whiston, rubbish being left on the grounds and thefts of plants and figurines from graves.

Piles of nitrous oxide canisters – which carry the substance known as laughing gas – have also been dumped and disposable barbecues have been found at gravesides.

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It is believed youths often gather in the gazebo

The 40-year-old contacted Knowsley Council earlier this year but was told that the CCTV in place is not operational. The Star reported in February how police had stepped up patrols there.

People who use the cemetery or who have loved ones buried there are now joining forces to ensure that "those sleeping can rest in peace".

Kerry and her husband Billy, 42, are among those at the forefront of the campaign to secure funding that will see a modern and functioning CCTV system set up.

According to Knowsley Council, the 20-acre cemetery opened in 1996 and has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag – a national award recognising the best parks and green spaces in the country.

Kerry, whose mum Rita was buried at the cemetery eight years ago after dying at the age of 63, said: "Over the past few months we have seen thefts off the graves and cars even going in the cemetery and driving over a mound that is there.

"That's why the scrambler riders are going in."

The couple shared pictures of tyre tracks that had ripped up undergrowth at Fox’s Bank. With the summer holidays having started, they believe disorder is on the rise again, with yobs congregating in a gazebo that stands in the cemetery grounds.

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Tyre tracks in the grounds of the cemetery

They have been told that one cemetery visitor left flowers at a graveside only to find the tribute had been stolen within an hour.

Kerry added: "I know the council keep it lovely and do a good job but this is getting ridiculous now and these youths are ruining this (the cemetery) for those who've lost loved ones.

"When I heard I was disgusted because the last thing I ever thought I'd see was damage and anti-social behaviour in cemeteries.

"We need to get the CCTV back up and running to prevent these youths from getting worse.

"It's honestly just heart-rending and distressing."

Kerry is urging others to join the group Friends of Fox’s Bank Cemetery Whiston on Facebook to work together to fix the issue.