Bradford Council leader David Green has met campaigners working to safeguard and improve Utley Cemetery in Keighley.

He visited the graveyard along with several council officers in the wake of a spate of vandalism inflicted by stone thieves.

He spoke to a group of campaigners – including Keighley man Charlie BhowmickCRRT – about how the historic site can be looked after more effectively. The meeting was arranged by Councillor Abid Hussain (Lab, Keighley Central).

Earlier this month, thieves damaged monuments in an attempt to steal stone, but might have been disturbed as they abandoned the stone before they could make off with it.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Bhowmick (above) said: “We’d been concerned and upset about vandalism and neglect in that cemetery, and Councillor Green was interested in what we had to say.

“We were told that there is a possibility of CCTV being installed to prevent further vandalism.

“It was a good result and a very useful meeting, though we were warned that the council budget to deal with this issue is very limited.

“It was great to be able to talk to people about the problems, and I’d like to thank everyone who attended the meeting.”

He said he and his fellow action group members also discussed the need for better signage to clarify when the cemetery is accessible to visitors. He noted that the lettering on an existing sign is too small.

Coun Hussain offered his thanks to the council leader and council officers. “Everyone was pleased that someone had come down to listen to them,” he added.

“Myself and other councillors will do our best to improve the service for people who have loved ones buried in this cemetery. We take their concerns very seriously.”