MEMORIAL wreaths hung on the railings of a cemetery have been set alight by vandals, causing upset and outrage among residents.
The railings around the cemetery in Wombwell, on Summer Lane and Cemetery Road, are adorned with plaques paid for by family members.
At Christmas time mourners often place seasonal wreaths below or above the plaques as an additional tribute to loved ones.
However, heartless vandals set fire to a large number of the wreaths on Monday or Tuesday night of last week.
Police have been informed and a patrol of officers was put on around the cemetery Tuesday evening but yet more were set alight after officers left.
A number of residents have approached the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery society to express their anger and concern.
Chairman of the group Mike Bretton said: "We've been doing this for several years now and this has really come out of the blue for us.
"It must be people who have nothing better to do who are just stupid.
"The police had a slow patrol around on Tuesday but obviously they can't be a 24-hour guard for them."
The wreaths are mostly made of plastic and can be easily set alight. Further damage has been done as the melted plastic of the wreaths has dried and stuck to the railings and the pavement.
"They must burn quite well I suppose but it just looks a real mess at the moment," added Mike.
"We will be putting more up though because we won't have broken window syndrome take hold.
"We have people come to us upset about it and they can't quite believe it.
"We won't give up, though. Hopefully whoever is responsible is caught or they get bored of doing it."
Anybody who witnessed the vandalism should call the police on 101.
