MIXED opinions have been raised after a production company began filming a new drama in a Caversham cemetery this week.

Hartswood Films are currently producing a new drama for the BBC/Netflix at Henley Road Cemetery in Caversham.

READ MORE: BBC/Netflix filming new drama in Caversham cemetery.

Speculation suggests that the new drama is Dracula, but this hasn’t been confirmed.

The filming has left some people feeling the choice of location is insensitive.

Grace Papura said it was “so disrespectful”.

Ted Potter agreed, saying: “It would appear that nothing is sacred these days when money is put on the table.

“We should respect the resting place of the dead and the memories of the loved ones who are left behind.

"It's shocking, that's what it is.”

Pwpriory explained: “I'm not religious, but I find this amazingly insensitive!”

Those who have loved ones buried in the cemetery have also expressed their disapproval.

Julie Valentine said: “Disgusting I have a lot of relatives resting here and will not be happy if the film crew trample on any of their graves. Should never have been allowed!!!”

The crew arrived on Sunday (July 14) and will remain onsite until Saturday (July 20) working through the night on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Letters were sent to nearby residents to inform them about the filming.

However, some people who don’t live nearby but have relatives buried in the cemetery are disappointed they weren’t told.

Lynn Chadda, from Tilehurst, said she was “disgusted” and it was “extremely distasteful”.

She believes notices of the filming were not advertised sufficiently and it could have easily been posted in local media or online to inform the wider community.

She added that a fake film set could have been used instead.

Despite opposition to the filming, some have shown their support.

Claire Zeneli said: “I was up there today. The crew were out but well hidden and all the ‘kit’ was neat and not really in the way. It seemed to me that they were being quite respectful.”

Trina Holder has family buried there but thinks it’s a great idea.

Similarly, Claire Mccoy said: “I have family there and I live near there no problem at all with it.”

One commenter believes the situation has been escalated.

Fiona Lee said: “Think some people in other discussions are looking to make a mountain out of a molehill – how many films/tv programmes have been filmed in church yards etc in the past? Hundreds and hundreds!”

The film production company liaised with Reading Council and Berkshire Film Office who granted them permission to film.

Reading Borough Council said: "Filming at Henley Road was agreed on the basis that this is a reputable and experienced production company which is highly sensitive of the day to day operation of the cemetery.

"Following discussions held in advance, it was agreed that all filming would be outside of opening hours, which means there is zero impact on any visitor or any activity. People can access all graves and chapel services will go on as usual.

"Filming is additionally only focussed on a small area of the cemetery and only silhouettes of headstones would be used.

"Filming started on Tuesday 16 July for three nights. It was also a requirement of the Council that the company writes to all local residents and addresses any concerns raised, which they have done.

"Along with other Berkshire councils, Reading works in partnership with Berkshire Film Office to increase access for the film industry, which in turn brings economic benefits to the town by raising its profile nationally and internationally.

"Reading Town Hall was recently used a filming location for Midsomer Murders for example and we know that the film director is looking to identify further locations in Reading."