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Tearful plea to councillors to take action on gravestones vandalism
A YOUNG Sheffield woman broke down and sobbed as she told councillors how her father's grave had been repeatedly vandalised.
Gemma, who does not want her surname published, pleaded with councillors to improve security at City Road cemetery.
Her family had collected a petition with more than 3,380 signatures calling for better fencing, CCTV and the gates to be locked.
Gemma's father Michael was just 52 when he died from cancer in January. Since then his, and other graves including those of babies, have been repeatedly desecrated.
The 25-year-old told The Star: "The vandals are stealing flowers, smashing items left on the graves and also smashing things down on top of the graves.
"My baby nephew's first shoe was stolen from my dad's grave, it doesn't mean anything to anybody else but it was sentimental to us.
"One side of the cemetery has really good fencing but on the other side the fencing is only low. The gates are never locked or closed and there's no protection.
"All we are asking for is proper security, fencing around the cemetery and for gates to be locked at a reasonable time. If possible we would also like somebody patrolling it."
Gemma was due to address a meeting of the full council but was too overcome with tears so a statement was read out on her behalf.
Coun Jan Wilson, who represents Gemma's Manor neighbourhood, hugged her during the meeting.
She said: "I really support Gemma and her neighbours who have collected this petition."
Councillors were visibly moved and promised to speak to officers to find a solution.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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