WILD boar have damaged the lawn at the Dilke Memorial Hospital.

And fears are growing that they could dig up graves at the nearby Yew Tree Brake cemetery.

The feral pigs breached a perimeter fence and damaged about a quarter of the lawn where the Dilke Hospital summer fete is held.

West Cinderford District Councillor Roger Sterry said:“It’s just terrible. After the damage they did to Yorkley Star Cricket Club’s pitch and the Dilke Hospital lawn what’s next?

“Yew Tree Brake is about 100 yards from the Dilke will the boar strike there?

“The Dilke Hospital has been violated by these feral pigs. Staff at the hospital are distraught by the damage they’ve caused."

Mandy Hampton, Matron of Dilke and Lydney Hospitals, said: “Historically we’ve not had a problem with boar in the grounds at The Dilke, but recently they’ve discovered a way through the fence and are making a real mess of the grounds.

“The boundary fence around the hospital was never intended to stop the boar so we are in the process of replacing it with much sturdier fencing.

“We have cattle grids at the front which are effective at stopping them, so once we have a more robust fence I think we’ll be protected again and in a position to repair the damage to the lawns and grounds.

“While it is something of a problem, it’s the kind of problem which makes living and working in the Forest unique.”

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