CEMETERY workers have been spotted sitting on people’s gravestones – sparking outcry from residents and “disappointment” from the council.

Construction workers tending the Sutton Road Cemetery in Southend have been pictured sitting on gravestones as they work.

The photos, taken last week, have been branded “disgraceful” by a resident who has a relative buried at the site.

The 30-year-old woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s all very distressing and complaints to them directly have got us nowhere.

“The tracks are over peoples graves, the wood and metal ramps are left for weekends at a time, wood planks constantly left on graves and so on.

“My aunt is buried here and I’m tired of making complaints to no avail and having excuses endlessly.

“Then seeing workers sitting on headstones – not for the first time – was the final straw.”

The news comes after Southend Council told relatives to remove memorials to their loved ones from graves for the maintenance work.

The woman added: “We have done everything they have asked, removing tributes from actual graves. The environment is not great at the moment.”

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for public protection, said: “The team at Sutton Road Cemetery work hard to keep the site looking clean and tidy for those visiting their loved ones.

“However, as an operational cemetery, there are times when areas of ground are disturbed to allow the digging of graves, which requires the use of machinery and can leave the surface muddy. Any damage to the grass is reinstated once the works are completed.

“When ground conditions are wet, trackway is used to help minimise damage to the ground. During prolonged wet weather, such as that experienced at the start of the year, trackway will be left down in areas where several new graves are being dug, as this protects the ground.

“We were disappointed to have received a report that a member of the cemetery team had been seen sitting on a grave stone, this does not meet the high standards we set our staff, particularly those working in such a sensitive field.

“Our head of service will be speaking with all staff to remind them of their responsibilities.”