Complaints over 'horrid mess' at Hills Cemetery

People in Horsham says they are upset by the ‘horrid mess’ left by their loved ones' gravestones at Hills Cemetery.

Dried grass cuttings have been left on top of and in between graves, while others have complained of damage being caused to headstones.

The district council said it accepted that grass cuttins had ‘fallen below standard’ andapologisedforthedistress caused. It has pledged to rectify the situation.

Andy Mitchell raised this issue after he was unimpressed by the state his wife’s grave had been left in.

He told the County Times: “It used to be a very pleasant place to sit and spend a half hour when the sun was out. It was beautifully kept and it was quiet. But now it seems the people working there just go to mow the grass, leave it there on the ground and then walk off.

“It’s a basic thing to ask for. How much extra is it going to cost to have a back box on the mowers? It looks like hay has been put down there.

“Ithinkit’ssomethingthey should take seriously, but it seems that they don’t seem to care. It’s a shame, people go there for a bit of comfort and to see their loved ones and it should be respected and looked after.”

Renee Richards said she was ‘disappointed and angry’ athowunkepttheareaaround her parents’ grave is. She said whilst visiting the cemetery, shemetanothermanwhohad brought his own lawn mower totendthegravesofthreefamily members.

Deborah Carter complained to Horsham District Council in September. She said: “I thought the council were going to get it sorted out butsadlytheplaceisstillahorriblemess,evenworseinsome ways due to all the dried grass cuttingsanddamagehappening to some headstones.”

InApril,TeresaKiszaSturt toldtheCountyTimessheunhappyaboutthelackofaccess Hills Cemetery provides to wheelchair users and those with poor mobility.

A Horsham District Councilspokespersonsaid:“Weare aware of the concerns regarding Hills Farm cemetery and accept that the condition of thegrasscuttinghasfallenbelowstandard.Weareworking veryhardtoimprovethesituation. This will include the use ofdifferentmachineryandincreasing the mowing frequency to keep the grass short. We arereallysorryforanydistress causedandareworkingtorectify this as soon as possible.”