Chesham residents are suggesting that the gate to Chesham Cemetery on Bellingdon Road should be locked at night following anti-social behaviour claims.

The Bucks Free Press have previously reported on the alleged anti-social behaviour, drinking, and drug use that occurs in the cemetery (for full article click here).

Last week an article was posted discussing the anti-social behaviour claims as well as posting photos of rubbish in the cemetery.

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Since then many Facebook users have shared their views about the current state of the cemetery with many calling for it to be locked at night to prevent further disruption.

There is no lighting in the cemetery with a path that leads from Bellingdon Road to Broad Street.

To allow people to use this as a short-cut the cemetery is open 24 hours every day.

One Facebook user said: "Some lighting and CCTV may help if it's going to be left open" with another adding "lock the gates in the evenings like they used to."

Many people are simply upset with the issue as they have loved ones buried in there.

One commenter said: "My grandparents AND both of my parents are there! I am mortified and disgusted at the complete and utter lack of respect and vile behaviour. Only ourselves to blame, leniency, stupid laws."

People have reported seeing needles and alcohol bottles around the cemetery, and in 2018 a woman reported to police that she saw two men having sex near a grave.

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Of the issue Town Clerk Mr Bill Richards said: "Anti-social behaviour won't be deterred by locking the gates, as there are low walls and other access points to the cemetery.

"The police have advised us to keep the gates unlocked as if there is any issues the police can access it more quickly."

Mr Richards did acknowledge that anti-social behaviour is an issue, and some CCTV has subsequently been installed.

He explained that the cemetery is constantly reviewed but historically it has been used as a walk-through and many people do simply use it for this purpose.

He added: "Any complaints can be formally addressed by contacting the council."

For many years the cemetery has been a controversial topic, with some residents frequently using the short-cut and wanting access to visit loved-ones graves when they like, whilst other remain 'disgusted' at the reported behaviour that occurs there, even vowing to bury no more relatives at the site .