Council say damage at Scholemoor grave could have been caused by deer

Linda Simpson laid her sister Carol Whitham to rest in Scholemoor Cemetery on Monday, November 7.

The Thornton woman passed away at the age of 63 following a four-month battle with cancer.

The flower stems have been visible cut off (Image: UGC)

When the family visited her grave last Saturday, they were shocked at what they found.

Linda said: "Me and one of her daughters went up and noticed all the white roses had been cut off like they were to be reused for another arrangement.

"She is laid next to our dad and my grandson. Flowers from my grandson's pot have all been cut off too."

Linda's biggest gripe is with Bradford Council who say a deer could have been the culprit, which she and the family firmly refute.

She said: "People in charge of the cemetery have said it is a deer, why didn't they take all of them then?

"It is just disgusting and absolutely appalling. How does a deer know how to cut off a stem at the right angle?

"I don't think there are any cameras that way so I don't understand how they would know it is a deer."

A wreath which Carol's daughters made was also damaged (Image: UGC)

Linda wanted to highlight what had happened to make other families, who visit the cemetery, aware.

She added: "It is even more awful because the coffin wreath was made by her three daughters. They were self-taught by their mother.

"Money is not an issue, it is the amount of time and thought they have put into it.

"It was just horrible to see.

"It needs to be noted for the family of other people who has been buried there."

Another floral wreath had flowers missing upon the family's return (Image: UGC)

Bradford Council pointed to other incidents in the cemetery where wildlife had caused havoc.

They also added that staff will pay "particular attention" to the area. 

A spokesperson said: “We understand that this will have been upsetting for the family to see the flowers like this and we have experienced deer and other wildlife causing similar damage in the past.

"We have spoken to the family members and will ask our staff on-site to pay particular attention to this part of the cemetery.

"If anyone notices anything unusual, please report it to our bereavement services.”

Linda described Carol as a "lovely person who would not have hurt anybody in the world."