SIR, - I COMPLETELY sympathise with Mr Bruneel's front page comments about the state of Thornton Parish C of E cemetery (Citizen, June 24).

My parents are buried at Marton cemetery (owned by St Paul's Church, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool) and the grounds are shoulder high in overgrown grass and weeds.

In 1997 the grass was cut once and in 1998 not at all, consequently it is now completely out of control.

I visit my parents' grave regularly and use a pair of shears to keep it relatively under control - it is hard work, but I feel I owe it to my parents to do this.

The area is now densely overgrown and I feel very apprehensive when I visit alone - anything or anybody could be lurking in the undergrowth!

Marton cemetery has been highlighted by the local paper in previous years and by direct appeal to the Reverend Wren (of St Paul's Church) and to the Bishop of Blackburn.

Still nothing happens and the church continues to cite the cost of labour etc.

They fail to recognise the impact that their attitude has on the bereaved and they appear to be devoid of Christian charity where Marton cemetery is concerned.

On a positive note, Thornton C of E church is actively addressing the problem.

Hopefully, St Paul's will take a leaf out of their book and start to clean up their act.

Name and address supplied.

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