Great Lakes Council said staff and visitors to the cemetery were astounded to find 10 panels of weldmesh fencing had been stolen after Easter.

Council’s coordinator of the Bulahdelah Depot, John Huckett, said he was shocked and disappointed by the theft.

Mr Huckett said he was dismayed at the disrespect shown to families who have loved ones buried at the cemetery.

Council’s manager of community services, Andrew Braybrook said it was important that the community was fully aware that council had not removed the fencing for any reason.

“New fence panels have been ordered, with these and the remaining panels to be spot welded in place, something that is not normally necessary at cemetery sites.”

The replacement panels and restoration work is expected to cost council over $2000.

Mr Baybrook said it is unfortunate given the strain that council’s budgets are under and that ratepayers had paid for the fencing once already.

The theft has been reported to police.

If anyone has any information about the missing fence panels, call the police or council on 6591 7222.