High Wycombe Cemetery security set to be improved (From Bucks Free Press)

High Wycombe Cemetery security set to be improved

1:19pm Thursday 26th January 2012 in Politics By Simon Farr

SECURITY is to be beefed up at High Wycombe Cemetery to stop thugs from vandalising graves, subject to approval from council chiefs.

Higher triple-spiked palisade fencing would be installed at three key points around the cemetery boundary to discourage people from using the cemetery as a cut through or a meeting place.

High Wycombe Town Committee’s backed the findings of a working party’s report, which scrutinised the cemetery’s security.

The working party led by Cllr Victoria Groulef consulted cemetery staff and Thames Valley Police about deterrents and was advised against installing CCTV or lighting as it would invade the privacy of mourners.

The review was launched following the desecration of about 20 Muslim graves in April, while the personalised grave of eight-year-old Olivia Chandler – who died following an asthma attack at her school – was tore up in June.

Former leader of Wycombe District Council Cllr Lesley Clarke told the committee on Tuesday that the desecration of graves was “despicable”.

The town committee’s proposals will be sent to Cabinet for approval.