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May 2024

Last Updated: 29/05/2024

Community

Mourner says state of Harrogate cemetery is 'disrespectful'

by Lauren Ryan

| 26 May, 2024

Bins overflowing and weeds growing over headstones at Stonefall Cemetery. Image: Shirley Askew

A mourner has been left heartbroken after finding Harrogate's Stonefall Cemetery in a "neglected state".

Shirley Askew often goes to the cemetery to visit her late husband’s grave and has been left upset after seeing the 'disrespectful' state of the site.

Ms Askew went to the cemetery over the weekend and found weeds surrounding headstones and overflowing bins.

She said:

“I was very upset to find the area totally neglected with overflowing rubbish bins a few meters from where ashes are scattered. What was once a gentle flowing stream has been covered over by overgrown grass since last summer and has left a stagnant pool.

"The areas in front of the benches are full of weeds. But the really upsetting sight was all the headstones surrounded by 2-3 foot high weeds. No part of the cemetery should look like this, but these are all fairly recent graves. Have the council considered the feelings of grieving loved ones seeing such neglect and disrespect."

She added:

"I’m so relieved I visited alone as I would have been so ashamed for other family members to have seen my husbands resting place treated with such disrespect.”

This is not the first time mourners have been left distressed by the state of Stonefall Cemetery.

Two years ago, Trish Stephenson, who goes to the cemetery to visit the grave of her cousin, described the state of the site as "disgraceful". At the time, the former Harrogate Borough Council said it would make the site a priority.

At the time, a spokesperson for the council said:

“Demand on our teams has understandably been high over the last two years but these works will now be prioritised.

"The team will visit Stonefall Cemetery in the coming weeks and address any concerns that have been raised. Some areas are being left to grow and not mown as we want to encourage biodiversity, attract pollinators and create habitats. We will of course continue to mow the grass along pathways and around gravestones so that mourners can pay their respects to their loved ones.”

Immaculate war graves

Ms Askew added that the Wetherby Road entrance up to and around the crematorium is completely free of weeds.

She added:

“Presumably because this is the area seen by funeral attendees. All of the rubbish bins should be placed behind fencing or hedges, not just the ones near the crematorium.”

The Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Council who said they would look into the issue but did not give any further details at this time.

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Mourner says state of Harrogate cemetery is 'disrespectful'

Immaculate war graves

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