Moles killed by gassing after causing damage to graves

The town council said no moles were on the burial ground's surface after gassing tablets were used

A town council uses gassing tablets to curb moles at a burial ground after damage was caused to graves.

Tadley Town Council said it used the method at the burial ground it owns and maintains in the town after trapping methods failed.

The authority said the decision, which was "was not taken lightly", came after the mole's burrowing caused damage to the grounds and distress to families.

It said photos of a dead mole posted on social media were "fake" and added "there were no moles on the surface of the ground in the burial ground as a result of using aluminium phosphide."

Aluminium phosphide

The town council explained after trying trapping methods the number of moles "and their activity continued to escalate, exacerbating the damage to the burial ground".

It said after consulting with pest control professionals, "it became evident that the use of aluminium phosphide, administered in strict compliance with environmental and legal regulations, was the most effective and practical solution to address the issue comprehensively."

The town council added: "We understand that this action may raise concerns but we have to balance effective maintenance of the burial ground with respect to all its visitors."