A COUPLE who lost their baby girl to cot death are calling for more security at a crime-hit cemetery in Chester where she is buried.

John Hodson and Nasreen Begum created a shrine to little Skye at the Baby Garden at Overleigh Cemetery in Handbridge after she died in December 2016.

But over the past year they have had to endure anti-social behaviour and criminal activity from people who use the tranquil spot as a place to booze and take drugs.

John, 48, who works as a forklift truck driver, said they had suffered verbal abuse and claimed toys and teddy bears left on memorials by bereaved parents had also gone missing.

He told The Standard: “The Baby Garden needs to be secure – this is so important for all the mummies and daddies who go there.

“Even though they have passed away they still need looking after; they are still our babies.”

He added: “It’s meant to be a peaceful place but there are people sleeping rough, taking drugs, shouting and swearing. I’ve confronted them in the past but they just get aggressive.”

Police had been called out on at least one occasion to move the culprits on but more permanent measures are needed, John said.

He and other parents are now hoping to convince Cheshire West and Chester Council to build a fence to secure the Baby Garden.

They are even willing to pay for it themselves – and plan to hold a rock event called Skye Fest at the city’s Saddle Inn pub on June 30 to raise funds, backed by landlord Leigh McClelland.

John and Nasreen, who have a son Tristan, aged eight, have held events in the past to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and raise awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

The council has vowed to investigate and reassured parents that it would foot the bill for any extra security if needed.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, said: "We are saddened to learn that Mr Hodson has experienced the impact of antisocial behaviour, particularly in an area where the highest sensitivity should be shown.

"Following this complaint, staff at Overleigh Cemetery are working with colleagues from the council’s anti-social behaviour team and the local PCSO to investigate.

“If it is identified that additional security could be beneficial, it would be for the council to make the arrangements, including finding the money to pay for it.

“Our anti-social behaviour unit is keen to hear from anyone experiencing issues like this. Please call the non-emergency 101 number if you wish to report an incident.”