BOAR damage in Cinderford reached new levels last week, when the animals got into the churchyard of St John the Evangelist Church and damaged graves.

Rev Mike Barnsley, told the Review: “We know there are boar on the slope between the churchyard and Valley Road and we are pretty certain they are getting over the wall from scrubland up against the wall.

“Boar got into the churchyard back in October, but the damage the animals caused this time was significant and very distressing for families of those buried there and those who want to remember their loved ones. These are well-tended graves. Although the graveyard is full and has been for a while, it is people from this community who are buried here. These are people’s grandparents and great grandparents.

“When the boar originally got into the churchyard last year, we were worried that something like this would happen, so we contacted the Forestry Commission who own the adjoining land and the district council, who are responsible for maintaining it.

“We know the boar are in the Forest, but this isn’t woodland, it’s a residential area. It’s distressing when the boar are damaging people’s gardens, but the damage to the graves is and it’s a real cause of anguish to people. We want the land cleared and the boar moved on.”

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean District Council said: “We will continue to maintain footpaths in this location, but we have no plans to carry out further works at this time.”