Volunteers suspend clean up action at Sheffield cemetery as litter and human waste continues to appear

Darnall Cemetery has been transformed in recent months by a team of dedicated volunteers who have worked on a weekly basis to ensure the burial site is a safe and inviting place for families to visit their loved ones graves.

But, after travellers set up camp outside the cemetery gates five weeks ago, they have faced increasing problems with litter, overflowing bins, and have even discovered human faeces around the site on numerous occasions.

Norman Zide, who started the clear up project, announced the decision to suspend the operation on Facebook.

He said: “This work we do in the cemetery is all voluntary, but no one will be put at risk when we have environmental workers cleaning up on a regular basis.

“We have had visitors at the cemetery gate for at least five weeks. This is making visitors to the cemetery become apprehensive and not wanting to visit the place.

“I wanted to make sure the place was looking good for Christmas Day and any visitors that would have been attending. Sorry to post this but all will be up and running as soon as possible.”

Norman says that while Sheffield Council are regularly sending our environmental teams to clean up the burial site, more litter and human waste will pile up afterwards.

Speaking on Thursday, he added: “Councillor Mary Lea [Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure] has spoken to us and said that Magistrates won’t move them with having children in there.

"They haven’t offered us any advice, they’ve just been to have a look round. I’ve shown them all the excrement that is still there, the soiled clothing – it’s just building up and we daren’t go near it.

"We were in there Sunday putting flowers on different graves and had toddlers with us, they tread straight into it so there’s concerns and issues there too.”

In an updated statement on Friday, Cllr Lea said the family living in the caravan have now been moved into alternative accommodation.

She said: “We are aware that a caravan currently situated near the gate at Darnall cemetery has caused some issues relating to waste. We have regularly attended to clear this and have been working with the family living there to find alternative suitable accommodation.

“This is now in place and the family have moved but the caravan remains on site. We have been assured that it will be moved soon and will work with the family to make sure this happens.

“We understand the importance of keeping the cemetery welcoming and respectful for visitors and we have worked as quickly as possible to resolve this, while also supporting the family concerned.

“I would like to thank the local volunteer group for their continued hard work and patience and we will provide an update regarding removal of the caravan once arrangements have been made.”

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