People visiting the graves of relatives have protested after shapes were cut in evergreen shrubs in Bicester Cemetery.

Town councillor Carol Steward with one of the topiary bushes

They were surprised to discover three box privet bushes, standing over 6ft high in a row beside a footpath, had been clipped to create broad bands of foliage running round the plants.

Six smaller bushes have been cut to give their tops conical or rounded shapes.

Graham Kirby, several of whose relatives are buried in the cemetery, said: "This has caused disquiet with visitors as topiary is not the sort of thing you do in a cemetery.

"Given the enormous rise in the council tax, should the council be allowing a man employed by the council to do this sort of thing when more worthwhile tasks are on hand?"

Mr Kirby, of Buckingham Road, Bicester, said he was a frequent visitor to his family's graves.

He added: "A cemetery is not like a garden or park open to the public. It is a solemn place where people go to visit the graves of loved ones."

But his protests have been rejected by Bicester town councillors, who are responsible for the cemetery.

Environment committee chairman Carol Steward said: "I think the clipping has enhanced the cemetery, which I think looks good."

Mrs Steward said staff took great pride in their work, recognising that for visitors the cemetery was a very special place.

The aim was to ensure the cemetery was neat, tidy, safe and created an overall ambience of peace and tranquility.

Council leader Lawrie Stratford said: "Our council tax has not gone up this year, unlike Cherwell district and Oxfordshire county councils."