A cafe manager yesterday promised to keep his customers off the grave of one of Oxford's mayors after complaints it was being 'desecrated'.

Oscar Rebelo, 40, has been setting up one of his outdoor tables on top of the inscribed grave of William Henry Butler - a 19th century city councillor - outside the Sofi 2 café in Carfax.

He is allowed to use the area under the terms of his lease from Oxford City Council but it has drawn a furious protest from Don Wilkes, the great-great-grandson of Mr Butler.

Mr Wilkes, 63, said the grave was being damaged by the furniture on top of it and he was "enraged" part of the city's history was being damaged.

He added: "The café has been using the grave and William's tombstone as a foundation for a cast-iron table and chairs so their customers can sit and feel fine sitting with their cappuccinos.

"After complaining to the city council, a gentleman visited the site and saw the desecration.

"He investigated the lease and found that when the lease was drawn up the subject of the graves was not considered. Too much history is being destroyed - I want to do everything I can to protect his memory.

"He was dedicated to Oxford and I don't think it is right that people are trampling on his grave."

The Oxford Mail located Mr Butler's grave yesterday beneath one of the café's tables by Carfax Tower.

But after pointing it out to Mr Rebelo, he immediately removed it.

He said: "Now I know a little bit about Mr Butler, I will do my best to keep this area clear. It's the right thing to do to respect this man's feelings for his great-great grandfather."

Mr Wilkes, of Looe, Cornwall, said: "This is terrific news for the time being and I welcome the café's actions but the council needs to do something official to protect the grave."

City council spokesman Annette Cunningham said: "The council's records confirm the use of the gardens for refreshment and seating were agreed in the early 1990s as acceptable use of the land, after legal advice and an approved planning application."