In a grave state (From Penarth Times)

In a grave state

GRIEVING relatives have called on the town council to sort out the "appalling" state of Penarth cemetery - which, they say, shows complete disrespect for the dead.

Parts of the cemetery have become overgrown, with grass four feet high in places and seeds beginning to settle on the graves themselves.

Lorraine Groves, of Murch Road, Dinas Powys, said: "Since my father's ashes were interred at Penarth cemetery, members of the family and I visit on a regular basis.

"We are appalled at the state of it. The grass is four feet high in places.

"It's in a diabolical mess and we just can't understand how it's been allowed to get into this state. We would have been better off digging a hole in a field somewhere and laying his ashes there.

"I also visit Barry cemetery, which is much larger, and that is very well kept," added Mrs Groves, who said footpaths in the Penarth cemetery have also fallen into a poor state of repair.

Tom Goddard, of Sir Ivor Place, Dinas Powys, was also upset at the state of the cemetery.

He said: "I have been visiting Penarth cemetery for many years as my mother, father and sister are all buried there.

"In all that time I have never seen anything like this. It's disgusting and shows a complete lack of respect for the dead.

"The grass has grown so high it has begun to seed on the graves. The people responsible for maintaining it should take a look at St Andrew's cemetery in Dinas Powys, because that is kept immaculately."

A spokesman for Penarth Town Council said: "We apologise to members of the public for the overgrown state of the grounds at Penarth cemetery.

"A combination of events, including staff sickness and holidays, was exacerbated by a spell of wet weather last week, which has since been followed by a spell of warm weather making ideal grass growing conditions and leaving the grounds in an unacceptably overgrown state.

"The Town Council has drafted in staff from its other premises to support the permanent cemetery staff by assisting with the grass cutting and is also seeking to employ casual workers to assist with the backlog.

"Hopefully, weather permitting, the extra measures will see the grounds back on a more even keel by the end of the working week.