DRUG dealers and car thieves are causing misery for visitors to a Hartlepool cemetery.

Residents have reported an increasing problem with vehicles being driven across plots, and being burnt out, and drug dealing from vehicles parked in the Spion Kop Cemetery, on the town's Headland.

Councillor Kevin Kelly, whose ward covers the Headland, said that the problem had been going on for four or five months, with youngsters also driving up and down Old Cemetery Road which borders the cemetery.

He said: "These youngsters have no sort of respect for the dead and for other people's feelings. I think it is just typical of society today. It is very sad.

"It is a concern for people who have loved ones in the cemetery. They don't wish to see the plots ruined. A lot of visitors to the Headland also go to the cemetery and the last thing they want to happen is to be run over.

"Although most of the incidents take place at dusk, it is still dangerous. All you can hear is the sound of motorbike engines. It is not very pleasant.

"The whole thing needs stamping out, from the joy riding to the drug dealing, and the kids dealt with firmly."

In an effort to alleviate the problem, a proposal to provide gates to the cemetery has been approved by Hartlepool Borough Council's community services and safety board.

Coun Kelly said: "Once there are gates up it should help sort some of the problems. At present, it is open access and these kids are just using it to joy ride around in. It is abhorrent."

A spokeswoman forCleveland Police said one or two isolated incidents had been reported, but police were not aware of any big problem.

She said: "We would urge any members of the public who see anyone joy riding or vandalising plots, to get in touch with us as soon as possible and we will start to pay extra attention to the area."

Anyone with any information can contact Hartlepool Police on (01642) 326326.