CEMETERY bosses have defended removing keepsakes from the memorial to a young Hampshire woman killed in a road crash.

Candles, angels and other tokens of love left in memory of Lily Butterfield-Godwin have been removed by Lyndhurst Parish Council, which has been accused of desecrating the site.

Lily’s heartbroken mum, Louise Butterfield, said she was “absolutely devastated” when she discovered that the treasured items had been removed without her consent.

But the parish council has defended its actions, saying say it had received complaints that the tributes were obscuring other memorials.

Lily and her friend, Abbey Rogers, both 19, were killed when a car driven by James Battrick smashed into a brick wall at Gosport Lane, Lyndhurst, in December 13 2014.

Battrick, 21, of Old Romsey Road, Cadnam, had been giving them lifts home after a night out in the village.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court in September last year he admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving and one of driving while through unfit through drink or drugs. He was jailed for six years and nine months.

The court heard that Battrick’s three passengers - only one of who survived - had begged him to slow down.

Judge John Harrow said Battrick had been driving at “excessive” speed but he was unable to confirm allegations that he had been travelling at twice the 30mph limit.

He told the defendant: “This mindless and irresponsible act resulted in the tragic premature deaths of two lovely young women.”

Lily’s ashes were scattered in the cemetery at Bolton’s Bench, Lyndhurst, and a small plaque unveiled on a nearby wall in her memory.

Mrs Butterfield said: “There was nothing there apart from a bunch of flowers.

“Lily was born and brought up in Lyndhurst and deserves a decent memorial.

“What makes this even worse is that we’re approaching the second anniversary of the accident.”

Close Friend Wendy Molyneux added: “The parish council should have talked to Lily’s family before violating her final resting place and removing items that had been placed there by some of the very many people who hold her memory dear.”

But the council says cemetery regulations do not permit certain items to be placed on commemorative plaques.

Chairman Helen Klaassen said told the Daily Echo that members decided to take action after receiving complaints that tributes left by Lily’s friends and relatives were covering other memorials.

Cllr Klaassen She added: “The address we held for her family was no longer valid so a note was left explaining what had been done and why.

“The note also left contact details so that the items might be returned to the family.”

Cllr Klaasen said: “The parish council wish to provide a facility where loved ones can rest in peace in tidy and respectful surroundings which enable all families to properly mourn their loved ones.

“It does not wish disrespect to anyone but must maintain the rules and regulations to afford everyone equal opportunity to grieve in a private and visually unencumbered area.

"We apologise if any offence has been caused.

“But we hope that all concerned will understand that the families of everyone laid to rest in the cemetery must be afforded the same opportunity to enjoy the peaceful settings.”