WHAT a narrative from Councillor Anderson. The state of the cemeteries is all down to grass growing too quickly and a general move to increase meadow areas (Echo item July 1).

But Councillor Anderson, this issue is not just about the state of the cemeteries, it’s about the year on year enormous decline in commitment by council to urban landscape maintenance.

We have road-side planters around Parkstone completely abandoned, along with weeds along pavements and in gutters.

But go into Poole Park and the investment and care of landscape is jaw-dropping.

An entirely different planet. No cost spared. Pristine conditions.

All the care in the world, yet throughout so many residential areas we’re left with weeds and decay.

So don’t talk to us councillor about “arboricultural officers”. All we see when any work is done is operators scything grass and leaving areas dead and lifeless.

No proper horticultural work. No manual weed clearing. No planting, No investment.

I call it apartheid. Some areas and locations get the highest level of services, others are abandoned.

It is a disgrace and high time BCP cabinet commits to far more investment of resources in our suburban areas.

Not high prioritising prestigious areas and leaving others to go to rot.

The park and Bournemouth centre are locations we visit. Our roads are where we live our lives.

This should be council’s first priority and use what’s left over for the park. Not the other way round.

RICK BAKER

Ashley Road, Poole