Daughter left 'sick and appalled' at tyre marks on father's grave in Walsall

Tyre tracks have been left on Dennis Russell's grave at North Walsall Cemetery which has led to outrage from his family.

Mr Russell, from Walsall, had been a famous gurning champion. He died on January 14 last year aged 86 and was buried a month later.

Beverley Hutt, his daughter, claimed she was told by Walsall Council worker that they were responsible for driving over the grave.

She said: "I actually feel quite sick about it. I feel sad, disgusted and appalled. It's just awful. I don't know why someone would do that.

"My step-mom is heartbroken by it. I saw the photos and I felt so sick and ill. I phoned up Walsall Council and went through to their bereavement services.

A lady asked me to email the pictures across, which we did. I heard nothing, so I called and they asked me to send them again.

Disrespectful

"I received a call from them and I said 'I'd like to know who has driven over my dad's grave' and they said 'We have, we're allowed to'.

"It was so disrespectful. I couldn't believe the conversation – not only did he not apologise but he was so rude to me as well."

The 60-year-old, who asked why they couldn't use scaffolding planks to drive over, has since submitted a complaint to Walsall Council.

A spokesman for Walsall Council said: "We have received a complaint from Mrs Beverly Hutt expressing concerns about track marks across her father's grave at North Walsall Cemetery.

"Following conversations with Mrs Hutt and her family, a letter has been issued in response to her concerns and apologies given for any distress this has caused.

"We try to avoid driving over graves unless absolutely necessary and where required we always repair any damage that we cause.

"At present, ground conditions across all cemeteries are soft due to the recent wet weather, however any damage will be repaired as ground conditions improve and the grass starts growing."