The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bereaved mother hits out at state of cemetery where baby is buried.
Woman says dog mess, litter and vandalism found among graves is ‘disgraceful’
A bereaved mother has hit out at the “disrespectful” state of the cemetery in which her baby is buried.
Margaret Davidson from Cowdenbeath said the sight of dog mess, potholes, overflowing bins and unkempt grass and weeds at the Fife Council-run Beath Cemetery breaks her heart every time she went to visit daughter Angela, who died at just 11 days old.
She said she was particularly upset during her last visit because there was evidence of damage to some of the graves.
Mrs Davidson, who lives in White Threshes, has called on the council to make a better effort to maintain the area out of respect to grieving families.
“Throughout the years I’ve had things broken, stolen and smashed but lately the cemetery has gone really downhill,” she said.
“They’ve not been cutting the grass often enough and, while they have finally cut it now, they’ve not done it respectfully because they’ve left it all over the headstones.”
Mrs Davidson described the cemetery as being in a general state of disrepair.
She said: “It’s not nice. I buried my baby almost 22 years ago and it’s supposed to be a tranquil spot.
“I don’t want to take my other children in there to get their feet covered in dog mess.
“It’s disgraceful, disrespectful and downright heartbreaking.”
She has the backing of local Conservative councillor Darren Watt, who described the state of the cemetery as unacceptable.
“Over the weekend I received a number of complaints regarding the state of Beath Cemetery,” he said.
“I decided to visit and see for myself the issues raised and I must admit I was very disappointed with what I saw.
“I completely understand why those visiting their loves ones are so upset.”
He said the overall standard was very poor and added: “Fife Council must step up and show more care and compassion by ensuring all areas are kept clean, tidy and well-maintained at all times.”
Liz Murphy, the local authority’s bereavement services manager, said she had been in touch with Mr Watt to discuss any specific concerns.
“The recent change in weather had certainly made the grass shoot up but it was cut at Beath on Monday according to our normal programme of maintenance.
“We also do our best, with limited resources, to keep on top of other issues, but we must call on all visitors to our cemeteries to respect the final resting places of our relatives.
“Vandalism, littering and dog fouling in any public place is an offence – but in a cemetery it’s downright offensive.
“If you see someone leave dog waste behind you can report it online at fifedirect.org.uk.”
“Fife Council must step up and show more care and compassion by ensuring all areas are kept clean, tidy and wellmaintained at all times. COUNCILLOR DARREN WATT