A widow feels upset to see the crematorium being unkept and untidy in recent weeks.
Carol Lighterness visits her late husband John and late daughter at Easthampstead Park Cemetery and Crematorium regularly to pay her respects.
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The resident from Bracknell claims the site is a 'real mess' with weeds overtaking the graves and dead lavender needing to be removed.
Upon speaking to the crematorium, she was told only two gardeners are employed to maintain the Crematorium.
She hopes the public will be allowed to help clean up the graves.
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The 72-year-old said: "My late husband John is buried, our late daughter's ashes are in with John. I was told the awful thick weeds are air born but surely that doesn't stop them being treated as the weeds have overtaken the grass.
"Some of the baby and toddler graves, are in a real mess The Lavender around the baby section that contains statues of animals has turned grey where it has died off, much of it needs breaking off and removing.
"I phoned the Crem' for the second time, received the same reply, only have two gardeners for the whole site. I am almost 72, have Osteoarthritis in all my joints, so I cannot help with the cleaning, I hope others will."
However, the council explained their gardeners have an "acute sense of pride in the work they do" and maintain the grounds.
They also work to maintain 22 acres of land ensuring weeds are spayed down with weed killer but making sure this doesn't harm adjoining grass and wildlife.
Cllr John Harrison, Executive Member for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection, said: “There is a small team of gardeners who tend to the grounds at the cemetery and crematorium all year round. The grounds cover roughly 22 acres and include a mix of graves, memorials, areas for scattering ashes, flower beds, shrubs, trees, hedges, bushes and lawns. Due to the complex makeup of the grounds, different sections are tended to on a rotational basis, with each taking just over two weeks to complete. By the time an area is re-visited there could be weeds growing, particularly if weather conditions have increased growth.
“The gardeners have many years of experience, plus an acute sense of pride in the work they do, being mindful of the sensitivities that apply in a cemetery setting. Whilst they do use weed killers, their ability to spray it is often compromised by the effect it could have on the lawns and surrounding plants. In addition, out of respect, the team does not spray weed killer on or around the graves in case there are fresh cut flowers present.
“The team is already supported by a number of fantastic volunteers who help in the grounds but we always welcome new volunteers. Please contact the site directly if you would like to be involved.”
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