AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by The Abbey Church of the Holy Cross in Pershore after visitors to the Birlingham churchyard complained over the 'inconsiderate' manner in which flowers were being thrown.

Zoe Jeenes, of Winchcombe Road in Sedgeberrow has spent most of this year corresponding with The Reverend Kenneth Crawford from Abbey Church in Pershore and the church warden of Birlingham, John Comins over the matter.

Miss Jeenes who visits her mother's graveyard on a regular basis at St James' churchyard in Birlingham said: "I dispute the fact that flowers past their best are removed on a regular basis and this was the subject of my initial correspondence."

The 26-year-old feels the constant removal of her flowers left at her mother's graveyard, a duty carried out by the churchwarden, is insensitive.

"I lost my mum suddenly at the age of 35 in 1995 and this is beginning to feel like some sort of personal vendetta against my family and is causing great upset and stress.My mother should be allowed to rest in peace, and her family left to grieve and care for what we have left as a place of remembrance."

Christopher Griffin from Wollas Hall in Eckington also expressed his concerns over the 'inconsiderate' actions of others after discovering shrubs planted in memory of his parents who died two years ago were completely destroyed.

Mr Griffin said: "I received a call from my brother who visits our parents grave told me he found the shrubs had been cut off at ground level by someone attempting to mow the grass.

"He was extremely vexed and questioned the callousness of these people.

" It beggers belief with today's modern technology that inconsiderate people should be employed and allowed to do this wanton desecration."

The churchwarden of St James' churchyard John Comins said: "I will be consulting with other members of the Council on the way in which these rules are interpreted and then hope to be in a position to answer."

l EVESHAM Police are appealing for witnesses after vandalism in Evesham's Waterside Cemetery was reported last week.

A Vale resident visiting his late wife's grave was distressed to discover glass vases had been smashed and flowers from the grave had been strewn about.

It is believed the incident may have occurred between 10pm last Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.

Police are asking members of the community who may have been visiting the cemetery or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously to call 08457 444 888.