Bradford Council sorry over state of Scholemoor Cemetery

Cousins Corinne Oddy, Beverley Bilaszewski and Karen Thurlow have a number of loved ones buried at Scholemoor Cemetery, off Necropolis Road.

They said the Bradford Council-run cemetery looked "very run down" as a result of lack of grass cutting this year - and branded it an "insult" to the dead.

Karen at Scholemoor Cemetery (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

The Council apologised and said its contractor had "fallen behind with grass cutting" but was "gradually getting back on track".

Corinne, 74, told the Telegraph & Argus: "Scholemoor is where the majority of our family has been laid to rest.

"This year in visiting the graves, I've noted the grass has only been cut a couple of times and not very well. 

Bradford Council has apologised to loved ones unhappy at the appearance of Scholemoor Cemetery (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

"After it has been cut, the grass has not been removed, leaving an eyesore.

"It's also unsafe to walk around as you cannot see what is underfoot. 

"We want to visit and pay respect to our loved ones in a cemetery that is cared for by the local Council."

Scholemoor Cemetery opened in 1860 (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

Beverley, 67, said she was "immediately taken aback by the appalling sight that greeted me" during a recent visit to the cemetery.

"What is usually a peaceful haven to visit our loved ones is now an overgrown, untidy and unpleasant state of disorder," she added.

"Visually it looks very run-down and is an unwelcome site.

"It's an utter disgrace these resting places have been left to deteriorate - an insult to our loved one's memories."

Karen, 67, said the grass was "so high it was as tall as the gravestones" at one point this summer.

"I can clearly see that there is no care or consideration for the bereaved anymore," she added.

The cousins complained to Bradford Council about the matter but did not feel the response was good enough so they turned to the T&A to highlight the situation.

We put their concerns to the Council and a spokesperson said: "Unfortunately this year, our contractor has fallen behind with grass cutting and has struggled to catch up.

"We are sorry that this has upset relatives of people buried at Scholemoor.

"We want to reassure relatives that we have had regular meetings with the contractor to resolve this and they are gradually getting back on track.

"The grass, including the areas between graves, should be cut 10 times between March and October, as has been the case for over 10 years, and the contract has not been reduced in size."