HOMELESS people who used a graveyard tomb in Devizes as a table for a barbecue on Saturday have sparked outrage in the town.

Rough sleepers, who often gather in St John’s churchyard, used the stone top of the grave for their barbecue just hours before visitors from Devizes twin towns of Mayenne and Waiblingen gathered at the church for a special service.

Pictures of the party were posted on Facebook and sparked a mixed reaction.

One person said: “Disgusting and very degrading, how would they feel if it was a member of their family. I'm appalled."

But opinions were divided, another saying: “I would be quite happy to think someone would use my grave as a party venue one day, that's pretty cool.

“As for the mess, there are a lot of issues that these folk face, tidying isn't one of them.

"I'd rather that others picked up the mess after them than moan about it on here and do nothing. Lead by example, all that. I'll try to pop by with a bin bag tomorrow afternoon but can't get there any sooner.”

Devizes deputy town clerk Simon Fisher said: “I became aware of this on Saturday.

"It is a cause for concern and I can understand people being upset. We are talking to the church and the Opendoor charity to see what can be done.”