STRANGE things have been happening in Leigh cemetery.

For sale signs for the Cemetery House, alongside Manchester Road, have disappeared, and writing has appeared on walls, describing the house -- which is on the boundaries of the burial ground -- as "evil".

Leigh councillor John Lea is convinced this is no supernatural phenomenon, but an attempt to sabotage the sale of the two-storey brick building.

Coun Lea lives in Rutland Street, close to the cemetery, and has been keeping an eye on the house.

He said: "The whole of the back of the house is covered in graffiti which you cannot see from the road. It is near the access which potential buyers have to pass through.

"It says things like 'don't buy this house', but the 'buy' is spelled wrong to look like its been done by kids. It also says 'this house is evil.'

"You won't be able to print some of the other things that have been written."

The house has been empty for a few months but, according to Coun Lea, the graffiti only appeared after the house was put on the market.

He said: "This has only started since the for sale notice went up. I think it is being deliberately done."

So far, three for sale notices have disappeared from the house.

Coun Lea said the first notice vanished within hours of being put up, while the second and third were removed the same night they were put in place.

He said: "I think they are trying to be unfair to the other people who are interested in the property."

No other damage has been done to the property.

Coun Lea said: "The house is in quite good condition. It has been secured. The usual fortifications for an empty house have been put in."

A Wigan Council spokesman said despite all the disruption, there has been a large amount of interest in the building

He said: "We've shown a large amount of people around already. More than 100 people are wanting to receive sales particulars.

"When sale signs disappear and graffiti appears saying 'do not buy this house', you do tend to wonder who is behind it but we have no evidence. But it hasn't deterred people from looking around."

The house was previously leased out, and is being sold because it is surplus to council requirements. It is set in one third of an acre of grounds, and can be used as a house, but other uses will be considered if they meet planning regulations.

Offers are being invited for the house, The closing date for tenders is 5pm on September 28.