Work in Burngreave Cemetery

Story: Lisa Swift

In recent months Bereavement Services have been doing significant work in Burngreave Cemetery.

Following a number of local meetings where people expressed concern about the lack of maintenance, a plan has now been produced which details the type of work and where it will take place (view Map of the Cemetery).

Bereavement Services Memorial Safety Officers and cemetery workers are currently working on an area near the Scott Road entrance, in section FF. In October checks were carried out to find grave owners so they could be contacted about the work. Dilapidated memorials are now being made tidy so they can be easily maintained. Bereavement Services told the Messenger,

“No memorials with inscriptions are being removed. Headstones are either being laid face up on the grave, or where possible they are stood up. Kerbstones are not being removed either. Where they have become dilapidated they are being buried in the plot itself so they can be recovered by the owner if need be.”

Checks are currently being carried out in sections EE and GG also near the Scott Road entrance. Grave owners will be contacted so that work can be done here in the near future.

In January Bereavement services will be trimming the lower branches of trees, at the top end of the left hand side of the Cemetery (from Melose Road). No trees will be removed, the work is intended to make pathways clear.

In January and February, vegetation will be strimmed around the old gothic style headstones on either side of the main road through the cemetery, and then these areas will be sprayed with weed killer.

From April grass cutting will start again, and the cemetery will be assigned three workers to keep the grass down. Also during April Bereavement Services intend to hold a public meeting to discuss progress and consult on which areas should be focused on next.

You can find a the full action plan on the Messenger’s website. If you have any questions or concerns about the work contact Sue Nadin at Bereavement Services on 239 6068.