I WAS sorry to read Mrs Bayley's letter regarding the theft of bedding plants taken from her husband's grave.

It is regrettable that these incidencets occur and I am concerned about the distress these callous acts cause.

All our cemeteries do experience theft of bedding plants from time to time, but I should like to reassure Mrs Bayley that cemetery staff are extra vigilant during bedding out periods.

However, when visitors are 'tending' graves, it is assumed that they are placing plants, not removing them, and cemetery staff are asked not to challenge visitors, as this would detract from those genuine visitors wishing to spend a few quiet moments with their loved ones.

However, spot checks are carried out at different frequencies throughout the day and evening to discourage these incidents.

In this way we have succeeded in keeping these incidents to a minimum.

Ken Ivatt, Executive Director, Safe and Sustainable Enviroment

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