AROUND 8.15pm on a recent Friday last that my wife and I were walking our dog.

Having walked by the Bridgewater Canal by Walton Park and cut through to Raglan Road we came across 20 or so youths clambering over fencing into Brooklands Cemetery.

What were they going to do there? What possible entertainment would they find?

There would be no drinks available, though that would not bother them too much since they had enjoyed a skinful anyway.

An enquiry as to their intentions only attracted a confrontational pose, expletives their parents would blush at and a reply that they were visiting my mother's grave.

Outnumbered and discouraged by my wife from pursuing the matter, I returned home and telephoned the police.

Asking for Sale police station, and on being put through and explaining the purpose of my call, they asked the location of Brooklands Cemetery. I ask you, does that fill you with confidence? I was advised that they would respond as soon as possible.

But this was the second time in six months I have witnessed athletic, boozed-up youngsters vaulting into the cemetery grounds and the second time that abusive language and confrontational poses have followed an enquiry as to their intentions. Something has to be done.

We were told that police were patrolling areas known to be vulnerable to such transgression - this would appear not to be the case, though.

Increasing security with more fencing would be a start. Couple this with increased surveillance and perhaps these youths would be discouraged.

At the time of this incident there were three elderly people walking nearby and young mothers with children who were also concerned for their safety. This is simply unacceptable.

Concerned resident (name and address supplied).

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