THURROCK Council has made a statement following much local debate after trees were cut down in Chadwell St Mary cemetery over the weekend.

The authority came in for much criticism on local social media after branches and tree trunks were left strewn over a number of graves.

It was not clear who had carried out the felling of trees but the finger of blame was pointed by some at the council, which is responsible for maintaining the area.

However, the council has categorically denied its workers or contractors were responsible.

A statement to Nub News says: "No trees were cut down in Chadwell St Mary Cemetery by council crews over the weekend.

"When Thurrock Council was notified about the branches lying on the lawn area of the cemetery on Monday morning a team was sent to the site and the branches removed to be properly disposed of.

"Our trained staff are clear this was not done by a professional and additional works were required by the council to complete the cuts made over the weekend and help limit damage to the tree affected, those works took place on Monday when the site was cleared."

It remains a mystery as to who felled the trees and discussion locally continues to centre on security at the cemetery, with calls being repeated for gates to be locked overnight. This follows incidents in July when a number of graves were vandalised and treasured ornaments and mementos destroyed and large amounts of litter and food wrappings left strewn about the cemetery.

Related stories

Vandalism and littering shocks residents

Council leader slams cemetery vandalism and leads call for information