BIG improvements will be made to Chesham Cemetery following a string of complaints about anti-social behaviour at night.

Chesham Cemetery has hit the headlines in the past as residents complained about apparent bad behaviour, drinking, litter and drug use.

But now, Chesham Town Council says it is teaming up with the Chiltern Rangers and the Friends of Chesham Cemetery to make improvements for both visitors and wildlife.

A new contemplation area will be created this autumn at the top of the cemetery.

The council says this will “encourage people to take in the impressive views across town” but also provide new habitats for wildlife by installing bug hotels and apple tree planters.

A bank of wildflowers will also be created.

The Rangers are also planning to create a “woodland feel” near to the chapel by plating spring bulbs and sowing a special mixture of woodland wildflower seeds that will be well-adapted to the shady conditions there.

The area will also be given a “general clear and tidy” in a bid to change up the area from “unkempt to magical” and creating an “enchanted wild woodland walk”.

Other areas of the cemetery will also get some much-needed attention, with nest boxes added to the Avenue of Limes and small areas of wild planting that will look attractive but also provide important pollen and nectar sources for bees and other insects.

The Chiltern Rangers, whose goal is to enhance the Chilterns and who already do a lot of work in the High Wycombe area, said they were “really looking forward” to the project, adding that they will hopefully get local people involved “as soon as we safely can”.

Earlier this year, Chesham residents said they were “mortified and disgusted” to hear of anti-social behaviour in the cemetery.

The concerns prompted calls for the cemetery gates to be locked at night to prevent anyone getting in - but the town council was not convinced this would solve the problem.

At the time, town clerk 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.”