DOG mess found strewn over some war graves in a cemetery has sparked outrage in the community.

The bagged up dog foul was found scattered around the war graves in Chingford Mount Cemetery, in Old Church Road, on Sunday (October 23).

Pictures of the “inconsiderate” bags lying next to the graves of soldiers who died in the First World War have enraged some people in the community.

Cllr Roy Berg, of Endlebury ward, who discovered the mess, said it was a total disrespect to anyone who has family buried in the cemetery.

He said: “It would be a great shame to have a total ban put on dogs being allowed in the cemetery because of a few inconsiderate people.”

Mr Berg has spoken to the staff at the council-run cemetery and he said they are fed up with cutting grass and bits of dog muck flying everywhere.

He added: “The majority of people are responsible dog owners, all you need is one or two to mess it up

“It is not a park, it is a place of respect."

Dog bins are present in the cemetery, with heavy lids to prevent wild animals from getting in, and signs tell dog owners entering the site to keep their pets on a lead.

The council lifted the ban on people taking their dogs into the cemetery about two years ago.

Any change in the rules regarding dogs being allowed in the cemetery would have to go through a council consultation.

Dog owner, Martin Lewis said: “This makes my blood boil, if you are walking your dog anywhere, have the decency to clean up after your pets.

“It's not hard is it, you are spoiling it for everyone else."

Kim Stowe said it was disgusting to hear about it as she thought dogs were still not allowed in the cemetery.

She added: “I sometimes take my Yorkie to visit my son’s grave but I'd clear up after him if he pooed and I certainly wouldn't let him go on someone's grave.”

Martin Crump admitted it was disgusting but said it was more to be likely to be young kids rather than dog owners doing the damage.

He added: “Dog owners come in for a lot of abuse.

"There are a lot of responsible dog owners in the borough and if the owner had gone to the trouble of bagging it I don't believe they were the ones that would have thrown it there."

Mr Crump was shouted at recently by someone who mistakenly believed a dog foul had been done by his pet.

He added: “It ruined what was a very pleasant walk for us.

“I want the area I live in to remain clean and for people to have respect for each other's surroundings.”

Deputy council leader, cllr Clyde Loakes, said anyone failing to clean up after their dog will be handed an £80 fine.

He added: “At any time and in any part of a cemetery this would be completely unacceptable, but at this location it becomes an extremely distasteful act and shows a disgraceful lack of respect for those who lost their lives in the war, especially in the run up to Remembrance Sunday next month.

“We believe that most dog owners are responsible so do not think it is necessary to ban dogs from the cemetery at this time, but we will continue to monitor the situation.”