Cemetery restoration group responds to ‘poor state claims’

A cemetery restoration group have responded to claims that they are responsible for the state of the grass in Darwen West Cemetery.

Chairman of the Friends of Darwen Cemetery, John East, said: “We have no responsibility for the grass cutting although we acknowledge it could be better managed if funds were released by the council.

“The grass cutting is outsourced by Blackburn with Darwen council to Good Friends Community Interest Company, who can only cut certain parts.

“This means some areas are unsafe and notices have been placed around the Cemetery explaining the situation.

“It seems a pity that the Council can’t provide the resources while our volunteers put in thousands of volunteer hours per year.

This follows a complaint by Darwen resident Marion Jennings who described the state of the cemetery as “disgraceful”

Anyone requiring a path clearing to a particular grave should contact the Friends of Darwen Cemetery on 01254 202019