TWO long-serving councillors have resigned after a row over safety checks on graves in a cemetery.

Caldicot town council caused "genuine hurt" when it all-owed headstones which were deemed unsafe to be laid down and surrounded with red tape.

The council apologised for any distress caused but said new health and safety legislation made the inspections necessary and that the red tape was to prevent the laid-down headstones being hazards.

West End councillor Kevin Bevan has crossed the floor to become an independent councillor, while Dewstow councillor John Thomas resigned altogether.

Councillor Bevan said he was reluctant to "tow the party line over the cemetery dispute and other local issues".

He said: "Prior to work on the cemetery I suggested the council write to everyone (affected). A couple of councillors agreed but more disagreed and it was thrown out.

"It was agreed to put an article in the press and put up notices. I didn't think that was enough.

"I came to the council to try to help the people of Caldicot. I feel at town council level it is not about politics but about people."

Cllr Thomas said that, despite his resignation, he agreed with the town council's decision to carry out a health and safety inspection at the town's cemetery in Dewstow.

He said: "I agree with the way they dealt with the cemetery issue. I have resigned for personal reasons, but that issue did tip the scales because of the abuse I took."

James Mealing, of Westfield, Caldicot, whose parents are buried in the cemetery, said the council caused "genuine hurt" when they laid down the headstones.

Relatives will have to pay to have them put up again. Labour town and county councillor Jim Higginson said: "I am sorry John Thomas resigned. We took a bit of flak over the cemetery, but that is the nature of the job. Kevin decided to walk away from the party."

Caldicot town councillor Collin Babb has also resigned this week over a dispute with Labour Party head office over his subscription.