Graves - maintenance

Maintenance

Even after the fees received for the burials and memorials, the cost to the City's Council Tax payers of running the cemeteries is around £400,000. This is because the cemetery maintenance is very expensive in terms of staff and equipment (as compared with for example large open areas such as playing fields and parks). Periods of heavy rain can delay grass cutting and increase growth rates, often at the times such as early summer when the growth is at its fastest.

Restricted Mowing

Unfortunately complaints about maintenance have been increasing in recent years. This is because mowing has had to be restricted in areas where plastic items, DIY edging, posts and chains and other "unofficial items" have been placed on or around graves. Where there are such items, the contractor will avoid mowing close to them, because of the risk of damage to equipment, and exposure to glass or plastic fragments. The contractor will periodically cut grass growing within traditional official approved kerbsets, although legally these areas are the responsibility of the grave owners.