30/05/2026
Many of you will know that we asked the council over a month ago to cut the grass around the graves, especially as we had a burial of ashes and the grave was compleatly unreachable. Thanks to Cllr Sean Fielding, the grass was cut enough for the funeral to go ahead.
However, the cutting team only cleared around the church building and left the graves themselves mostly untouched. They told us they would return the following Monday, but two weeks have now passed and the graves remain covered.
As St James is a closed graveyard, its upkeep is the responsibility of the council.
It saddens me to say this, but I would strongly advise people not to visit family graves at this time, as the grass is so overgrown that it is unsafe. If you do choose to visit and you are injured, you may need to contact the council directly.
I am aware there are some very upset people at the moment but I will continue to press for the grounds to be made safe, and I will update you as soon as there is progress
Rev Viv
