Concern about 'sorry state' of overgrown cemeteries

Concerns have been raised about overgrowth at cemeteries in Sussex, with some visitors clearing grasses and weeds themselves.

Several sites have been criticised for a lack of proper maintenance, including in Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing and Horsham.

Some relatives have said overgrown and unkempt grounds makes finding the graves of loved ones harder, while others have called it disrespectful.

Eastbourne Borough Council said: "We are very sorry that this area has become overgrown and thank the volunteers for their assistance."

Horsham District Council said it mows newer parts of its cemeteries but allows older parts to grow for biodiversity.

Monica Corrina-Kavakli, whose baby daughter Ella died 22 years ago, led a group of volunteers to clean up the children’s section of Langney Cemetery, in Eastbourne.

She told BBC Radio Sussex: “The last year particularly it has got drastically worse to the point where there were some graves you couldn’t see.

“The entrance to the children’s garden was difficult to get through and once you did it was very difficult to get to individual graves and sit by them.

“We were doing everything from trimming back the hedges, pulling the long grass out of individual graves. It’s in a sorry state to be honest.”

Nigel Scott, whose wife was buried in the Hills Cemetery, in Horsham, said: “It’s not excellent by any means but not bad.

"It’s the council’s responsibility, but I do go down there and do a bit.”

Paul Anderson, director of community services at Horsham District Council, told BBC Radio Sussex: “We know how important cemeteries are for residents and relatives of those who have passed away.”

He said a “biodiversity crisis” had led to some areas being left for insects.

He said there was a regular cutting programme every two weeks for the newer sections of the cemetery.

Eastbourne Borough Council said it had also been encouraging biodiversity, but the level of unchecked growth is "totally unacceptable".

The council said access to graves must be maintained and "anyone with concerns about their access to a grave should contact us and we will cut a pathway to the grave and the area around it".

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