Vandals have been condemned for smashing dozens of crosses in an Ilkley cemetery.

The trail of destruction in the Leamington Terrace cemetery has left an Ilkley parish councillor fuming.

Coun Lexa Robinson (Con, Ilkley North) said the hooligans responsible for the damage had chosen to smash the very symbol of Christianity - the cross.

"What I find particularly sadistic is the way the crosses have obviously been targeted. The cross represents people's faith and belief in God," she said.

Coun Robinson said those responsible were clearly very bored with life if they had nothing better to do than cause so much distress to the relatives of the dead.

"It really puzzles me. Many of the crosses are very heavy so it has taken a considerable amount of effort to push them over and smash them," she said.

Coun Robinson said the destruction could lead to further distress for relatives confronted by the scene on their next visit.

"It is my understanding that only the relatives are allowed to touch the graves. The Council is not allowed to touch anything without the permission of the relatives. I believe the relatives will have to organise and pay for any repairs," she said.

Coun Robinson has devoted much of her time to making the cemetery as tidy as possible and is dismayed at the lack of respect being shown by certain individuals.

Police have promised to come down hard on anyone found damaging the cemetery but need the public's help.

Inspector Alison Bennett of Ilkley Police said: "This matter is being treated very seriously indeed. It is an appalling offence, showing a total lack of respect for the living and the dead."

"The offender gains nothing from this apart from the distress caused. Unfortunately it is a question of being in the right place at the right time to catch those responsible," she said.

Inspector Bennett said anyone walking through the cemetery and noticing anything untoward or residents seeing or hearing damage being caused should contact Ilkley Police immediately on (01943) 601060.

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