DAMAGE has been caused to a city cemetery during roadworks after a vehicle was too big to fit through the entrance.

The entrance to St John's Cemetery, from McIntyre Road, is being accessed for paving works which are in the process of being carried out.

A pillar on the left-hand side of the entrance was knocked down by workers who were unable to get through the entrance and the gate was removed with an angle grinder.

Worcester City Council said the pillar was deliberately removed in order to provide access for the vehicle to the site and added the damage will be fixed.

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A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: "Worcester City Council is resurfacing the footpaths and driveways in the grounds of St John’s Cemetery, to improve access for the public.

"The wall will be restored once the work has been completed.”

Workers ran into problems getting the large lorry onto the site yesterday morning (Wednesday).

However, people living near the cemetery worry anti-social behaviour might increase while the cemetery's gates are out of action.

One resident said: "We have had anti-social behaviour happening in this cemetery before and without a gate that is just inviting people to come in at all hours."

Another said: "Quite honestly it was rather painful to watch.

"There were about seven of the workers scratching their heads in the morning when they realised the vehicles were too big.

"We have had to move our vehicles all morning to accommodate the work as well which would not have been an issue if we had some prior warning."

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Cllr Richard Udall, Worcestershire county councillor and Worcester city councillor for St John's ward, said he was pleased work has started at the cemetery.

He said:  "The gate and wall had to be demolished to get the equipment onto the site to resurface the road but the wall will be re-built and the gate returned once the work has been completed. 

"A lot more work is to take place over the winter months including the pruning of trees and planting new ones. 

"I have asked officers to erect a sign at the cemetery which will advise residents and visitors about the work."