People in a coastal town have rallied behind a gravedigger who lost his job of 17 years after he raised his prices.

More than 250 people have signed a petition in support of Karl Harper, who has been offering his services to Sheringham Town Council for nearly two decades.

 He lost his contract after he proposed putting his rates up for the first time in five years, suggesting an increase from £250 to £450.

Sheringham Cemetery is managed by Sheringham Town CouncilSheringham Cemetery is managed by Sheringham Town Council (Image: Newsquest)

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Following the fallout, the decision caused upset in the local community and a petition was started by Andy Thompson, who has known Mr Harper for several years, calling for him to be reinstated as the town's gravedigger.

Mr Thompson said: "This is a grave mistake.

"Kevin buried my dad and more recently my mum and other relatives of mine. He has always carried out his duties in a dignified and respectful manner and does a good job.

"He is the sort of person who would help anyone in trouble. After hearing the news this made me want to act as I could not sit by and watch this happen without doing anything."

Several people upset about how he has been treated have written comments in support, with describing him as a "pillar of the community". 

An aerial view of SheringhamAn aerial view of Sheringham (Image: Mike Page)

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Mr Harper has since had to sell his digger after he was told to remove it from the cemetery as he had no place to keep it.

A spokeswoman for Sheringham Town Council defended the decision.

She said: "Mr Harper is a long-standing and well-respected supplier of grave digging services at the Sheringham Cemetery.

"However, following a rate increase it was considered appropriate that to ensure the best value, the council reviewed the provision of cemetery services.

The entrance to Sheringham CemeteryThe entrance to Sheringham Cemetery (Image: Google)

"Once completed the review findings will be made public and if appointing our own contractor is deemed to be the best way forward, at that point Mr Harper, along with other suitably qualified cemetery service providers, will be welcome to submit an expression of interest in undertaking that work."

In the interim, grave-digging services will be carried out by funeral directors.