Pupils answer an SOS at cemetery (From This Is Lancashire)

Pupils answer an SOS at cemetery

9:50am Sunday 30th September 2012 in News

A DRIVE to help maintain a Horwich cemetery in the face of council cuts has won the backing of pupils.

As reported in The Bolton News , Horwich North East councillor Kevin McKeon launched an appeal for volunteers to help look after Ridgmont Cemetery after letters complaining about its upkeep were published on our letters pages.

Cllr McKeon said cuts to the council’s grass-cutting budget had led to it “not being in a state you would expect” and called on volunteers to do their “civic duty” to work with council staff and perform tasks such as collecting grass.

Now Lever Park special school has offered its backing and pupils will join volunteers in helping to keep the cemetery looking neat and tidy.

The school offers vocational horticulture courses as well as the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and says pupils will benefit from taking part. Assistant head Jane Roscoe said: “Some of our year 10 and 11 pupils are doing their Duke of Edinburgh awards, but it’s also a chance to give something back to the community. We’ve worked in the past with St Elizabeth’s Church in Horwich and got really good references and the pupils really enjoyed it.”

Cllr McKeon said: “People of all generations are showing an interest in working with the council to make sure Ridgmont Cemetery is maintained to a high standard.

“I am particularly pleased that the students from Lever Park School have offered to join in.

“Their enthusiasm and willingness to serve the community is impressive and a credit to themselves, their parents and their school. Horwich is lucky to have them.”

Kathy Denton, who wrote the original letter to The Bolton News, said: “It is wonderful to have Lever Park student volunteers with us here at the cemetery.

“Their action, I feel sure, will encourage other young people to come forward to help in our Friends of Ridgmont Cemetery campaign.”