Sheffield cemeteries left in "awful mess" with overgrown grass and "dangerous" holes
“This is unacceptable for cemeteries to be left like this”
Concerns have been raised over the state of cemeteries becoming overgrown with trees and grass in Sheffield.
In a place where families should be able to pay their respects to passed loved ones in a peaceful environment, overgrown hedges and holes in the ground should be the least of somebody’s worries.
One resident has raised their complaints in regards to City Road cemetery, located in the Manor district, Sheffield, claiming its been left in an “awful mess”.
They said: “This is supposed to be a place of sanctuary for people to visit loved ones.
“Sheffield City Council need to be made accountable for the state of it. People are paying good money to have this maintained every year and this is what we get, lack of care, lack of staff. By the looks of it, it’s awful.”
As well as City Road, the same resident shared similar views on Norton Cemetery, claiming it has many holes across the land making it “dangerous” for anyone who visits.
They added: “The holes are so dangerous, they are everywhere and due to not being cut, they are unable to be seen. I feel this is unacceptable for cemeteries to be left like this.”
Investigation work by the council has suggested the holes at Norton Cemetery could be as a result of animal activity.
Sheffield City Council Bereavement Services are responsible for maintaining 16 cemeteries covering approximately 268 acres, with each site being covered as part of a four-week cycle.
In response to these concerns, the council claimed the recent rainfall has resulted in “pronounced vegetation growth” and are looking into the holes at Norton.
Cllr Brian Holmshaw, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “I’m very sorry to hear of the resident’s experience at both City Road and Norton Cemeteries.
“Everyone within the Council fully recognises the importance of our cemeteries as places where people come to remember and visit their loved ones.
“The recent rainfall, following the prolonged dry weather, has resulted in pronounced vegetation growth but I am assured by our team in Bereavement Services that they are managing it to keep the areas respectful and safe. The team are also looking into the holes at Norton Cemetery to find the cause and put it right.
“Our cemeteries are vitally important areas of Sheffield and the team are working hard to maintain them all year round to ensure they are places family and friends can go to remember their loved ones whenever they want to.”