A COUNCILLOR has said that “current grass growth rates” has slowed the maintenance of local cemeteries, following a series of complaints.

Cllr Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment, cleansing and waste, said: “Our teams continue to cut grass at all cemeteries, however the current grass growth rates being experienced mean we are struggling to keep up with our usual cycle of cutting, as the longer, lusher and now wetter grass slows down our operating and cutting speeds.

“This is not unusual in any season and happens annually, although usually in April/May.”

This comes after the Daily Echo reported on two separate Poole residents who were “horrified” by the “shocking” conditions at Poole Crematorium and Branksome cemetery, where their loved ones are buried.

In response, Cllr Anderson said: “Some areas within Branksome cemetery are left uncut to create meadow areas and these areas are shown on the on-site notice boards. Maintaining these areas isn’t always as simple as going over with a lawnmower, we have graves of different shapes and sizes to navigate respectfully.

“Our arboricultural officers will investigate whether any of the trees on site require remedial works and if so, works will be arranged as soon as possible.”

Gardeners have since been deployed to Branksome cemetery.

The meadow areas will be encouraged in “open spaces” as opposed to areas with multiple gravesites. In addition, priority for maintenance will first go to the more recently deceased and frequently visited plots.

Cllr Anderson also referred to the ‘climate and ecological emergency’ declared by BCP Council in July 2019. This was declared by the council to tackle climate change and encouraged communities, councils, businesses and the government to stop harmful emissions as soon as possible. One of the resulting features of this was to “let grass grow for longer” in order to maintain biodiversity in Bournemouth.