Vandalism of an area, that stands as a tribute to a stalwart of St Andrew’s in Purlwell, heads a catalogue of complaints by church leaders, who say yobs have also hurled around the body of a dead rat.

Police have been accused of not taking the weekend attacks seriously.

But a neighbourhood team sergeant insists this is not the case and has pledged to step up patrols.

Harry Williams, a member of the parish church council at St Andrew’s, says a group of young people – thought to be Asians from Staincliffe – gather in the churchyard every weekend.

“They are eating, drinking, smoking and leaving rubbish around,” he said. “But the worst thing is the vandalism of what we call Stan’s Garden.”

Stan Firth, who died in January 2007, belonged to the Monday Group of parishioners who go to the church every week to keep it neat and tidy.

“He created the garden himself and it was his pride and joy,” said Mr Williams. “His ashes are scattered there and what has happened is sheer desecration.”

Mr Williams said the youngsters have also thrown large stones at the church porch and ripped handles from doors.

“And after the council put down rat poison, these morons threw the body of a dead rat around the churchyard,” he said. “We feel helpless. Everyone is really upset.”

Mr Williams said the problems had been reported to police on several occasions but that, so far, nothing had been done.

The Rev Andrew Johnson, vicar of both St Andrew’s and Batley Parish Church, said: “This kind of activity should simply not be happening. The police are aware of the problem, which needs to be tackled.”

The vandalism is another headache for Mr Johnson who, just a couple of weeks ago, appealed for the return of ancient stone gargoyles stolen from the gateway of the parish church.

He said: “I have had lots of empathy and sympathy from the different communities, for which I am most grateful, but no sign of the gargoyles. They are still missing.”

Batley neighbourhood policing team Sgt Chris Hughes said: “We take such incidents very seriously and we will be increasing our patrols in this area to monitor any problems.

“I will also be talking to the vicar to discuss the concerns raised.

“If anyone has witnessed these incidents or has any information that could help us, please contact the neighbourhood policing team on 01924 295301 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”