Norwich City Council has removed 60 memorials from their plinths, which were identified as high risk and most likely to become unstable and potentially fall if leaned on or touched.  

But people visiting the cemetery, which covers 85 acres between Earlham Road and Bowthorpe Road, are angry at the authority's actions.  

David Gunton, 72, who witnessed the contractors at work said he was surprised at how much force it took to remove the headstones - saying he saw contractors using shovels to dislodge them - and questions whether it is necessary to lay them flat. 

Signs have been placed next to the graves which have been laid flat (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "There is a lot of talk about it being health and safety but something needing that amount of effort to tip it over is not necessary. 

“My point is if it takes a bloke with a shovel to lay it down it is not unsafe. 

“The first one they laid down they had to lean it back, put a shovel underneath it and prize it away from the plinth. 

“The second took two people wobbling the headstone to lay it down. 

“It was........

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