Villagers are being warned to close their cemetery’s gate after it is believed deer entered the site and caused damage to tributes.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hollesley Cemetery is managed and maintained by the Parish Council. Picture: RACHEL EDGEHollesley Cemetery is managed and maintained by the Parish Council. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Visitors to the cemetery in Hollesley, which sits next to the All Saints Church, have noticed that some floral tributes left in the past few weeks have been destroyed.

It is thought that deer have got into the cemetery when gates have been left open by those visiting the site.

Chairman of the parish council, Helen Lewis, said she had visited the cemetery herself and seen the damage.

“We think somebody left the gate open on more than one occasion,” said Mrs Lewis.

East Anglian Daily Times: Deer are thought ot have caused damage to tributes in the cemetery after the gates were left open. Picture: RACHEL EDGEDeer are thought ot have caused damage to tributes in the cemetery after the gates were left open. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

“Somebody had put out a whole lot of roses and some were just down to sticks.”

Damage was also caused to vases in the cemetery.

It is not the first time that deer have caused problems in the burial ground.

In 2011 the parish council received a petition from residents who were concerned by the damage being caused by deer and rabbits.

The council, which is responsible for the maintenance of the cemetery, decided to make changes in early 2012 to tackle the problem. Deer fencing was brought in along with rabbit netting to try and deter the unwelcome visitors.

New gates were also installed at the cemetery in 2014.

Deer are a common sight in Hollesley, with residents believing that there are around 200 to 300 dear living in and around the village.

Villagers say that there are two types of deer living in the village - fallow deer and muntjac.

“At any one time we can see a herd of 100,” said Hollesley parish clerk Judi Hallett.

“We cope with the deer and they are usually kept out but they are quite resourceful.

“It’s not unusual for deer to be in people’s gardens.

“They have been going down the high street before.”

As such, drivers in the village also have to take extra care: “We have to drive quite slowly to avoid the deer,” said Mrs Lewis.

Despite the tameness of the deer the council hopes that people will heed its warning, which has been sent across the village in its regular newsletter to ensure that the gate is closed in the future and that no more damage is done.