VISITORS to Yeadon Cemetery are being urged to show respect - amid anger about cars being driven across burial plots, children running amok and adults sitting on headstones.

The inconsiderate behaviour of some of the people going to the burial ground, which is seen as a good spot to watch planes, is causing outrage among local people. They have been taking to the Yeadon - Our Community Facebook page to voice their concerns, and they are making it clear they want the unruly visitors to stay away.

Families mourning loved ones have had to endure loutish behaviour for a number of years from some plane-spotters and picnickers who allow their children to run around the graves, leave litter and urinate on the walls.

The cemetery sits adjacent to a makeshift viewing site and has seen an increase in visitors since the blocking off of a similar viewing area on Bayton Lane eighteen months ago.

In a comment on Facebook Jayne Price, said: "My friend and I regularly go to the cemetery to pick up litter and tidy graves and you'd be amazed at what we've seen. Kids running amok, adults sat on headstones, and cars being driven across plots."

She stressed the cemetery was a place for quiet reflection and remembrance, and added: "I'd urge anyone coming to watch the planes to consider this ground sacred and off limits and I would ask them to show respect and stay out of the cemetery."

Otley and Yeadon councillor Cllr Sandy Lay, who is an administrator on the Facebook page, said: "The Council is aware of it but there is no one to undertake regular patrols. They are currently not breaking any laws either so the police are not able to help.

"Cllrs Campbell, Downes and I continue to work with Leeds to find other solutions but sometimes there is no simple solution without impacting on others."

He added: "We've placed signs all over the wall on both sides so it's not like people don't know. I have to say I agree with most of the comments and feel it is disrespectful so I'll continue to look for solutions. I'm also happy if residents have any practicable, affordable solutions I'm happy to work through them with Leeds."

Three years ago a man who has family buried at the cemetery complained about the loutish behaviour of "selfish yobs" who were visiting to picnic and watch planes.

A year earlier another man with relatives in the cemetery described how he regularly saw people eating fish and chips, playing football, blasting out loud music and sun-bathing close to grieving relatives.