GRIEVING families have launched a campaign to remove bollards from the entrance to a cemetery, saying they prevent them from visiting the graves of their loved ones.

Council chiefs say the bollards were put up to prevent people using Southampton General Hospital from parking in Hollybrook Cemetery, and that they will be taken down at weekends.

But residents say that is not enough, saying that they will not be able to visit the graves unless they can drive to them due to disability or age.

The city council installed the bollards at the entrance to the cemetery in April after reports that people using the hospital were parking in the grounds.

City environment and transport chief Jacqui Rayment says the bollards will be taken down on Friday afternoons and put back up on Monday mornings.

She told the Daily Echo: “I have had to find a solution that meets the bigger need as well as the need for people to visit graves.

“I have spoken to some of the families who are upset about the issue and so far the response to my solution has been a good one.”

However some residents remain angry about the new bollards, with some who are disabled or elderly saying it means they cannot visit the graves of loved ones except over the weekend.

And some also claim they have been told by the city council to buy wheelchairs or scooters to access the graves.

Bereaved mother and father, Maureen and Bob Dyer from Freemantle, whose daughter Cara is buried at the cemetery, are among those to complain to the council.

Mr Dyer, 73, said: “I am not happy with Jacqui’s suggestion, it is like being told that you can only go to the toilet once a week.

“What if our daughter’s birthday or the anniversary of her death falls on a weekday - then what will we do?”

Maureen DeMarcot from St Denys said she is unable to visit her husband Joseph’s grave at the cemetery.

The 78-year-old said: “I shouldn’t have to be told when I can and can’t go to the plot of land that I have paid for.

“I am disabled and have to rely on my family to take me to the cemetery.

“They have work and other commitments so if they can’t do a weekend day then I can’t visit my husband’s grave for another week.”

Coxford Councillor Against the Cuts Don Thomas said he is pleased with the council’s solution, but criticised the council did not consult on the bollards in the first place.

A spokesman for the council confirmed no formal consultation took place, but that the authority had discussed it with local councillors, residents and funeral directors.