MOLES are causing havoc in a Copeland cemetery due to council neglect – says a local resident.

William Marston, 69, believes moles are undermining the headstones and “running rampant” through the graves at Whitehaven cemetery.

And he also says Copeland Council has allowed the grass to get out of control, increasing the chance of damage to headstones when it is cut. The council says it is aware of the mole problem and says it has a team in place to tackle the issue, once weather conditions allow.

Mr Marston, who lives at College View, Whitehaven, said: “I was disgusted to see the state of my parents’ grave, moles are being allowed to cause damage to the graves.

“The moles are still active and no one from the council has took any action to stabilise the ground, when walking behind the headstones your feet sink into the cavities the moles have left.”

He added: “The grass should have been cut before winter set in, the height is now 100mm and by the time it is cut in 2016 it will be able to be sold to farmers as silage.

“With the grass so out of control this will increase the risk of damage to the headstones with the equipment used when the grass is cut.”

The council has placed notices on unsafe gravestones asking the owners of the plot to get in contact.

But Mr Marston said: “They are then put in contact with a stonemason who will reset the headstone at a cost of £200 plus.

“A cost the council expects the owner of the plot to pay, for the council’s failure to carry out an acceptable level of maintenance.”

A spokesman for Copeland Borough Council said: “Following regular inspections, moles have been found to have caused issues in Whitehaven cemetery. Once weather conditions allow, we have a team in place to deal with the mole situation.

“Our cemeteries are regularly monitored by health and safety to ensure headstones are stable and do not pose a danger to visitors.

“Maintenance of cemeteries, like all open spaces is seasonal, and during the winter months activity is minimal, however more work will begin in the spring including grass cutting.”