Grieving residents angered by overgrown state of Paisley cemetery

Grieving residents have been angered by the state of parts of Paisley’s Hawkhead Cemetery as Renfrewshire Council insists it is “working hard” to cut overgrown areas.

Frustrations have been aired over the length of grass in and around headstones, in particular, with some people taking their own equipment along to address the issue.

It is understood the local authority has encountered challenges with machinery availability and repairs, while it has also cited the impact the weather can have in relation to the Hawkhead Road facility.

Carol Gray, who attends regularly to visit the graves of her parents and brother-in-law, was taken aback during a visit less than a fortnight ago.

She said: “We have actually consequently bought a cordless strimmer because when we went up there, I was absolutely gobsmacked.

“I know they are saying equipment, weather and this and that but that’s 15 years we’ve been tending three graves in Hawkhead Cemetery and, in all that time, I have never seen it in a state like that.

“There were numerous people speaking about it at the time we were there. It’s not acceptable.

“When you purchase a lair at a cemetery you’re not asking for it to be pristine but you’re asking for the basics to be done.”

Upgrade works are ongoing at Hawkhead Cemetery, covering areas such as drainage, road resurfacing and kerb improvements.

When contacted about the site, a council spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of providing safe, welcoming cemeteries for loved ones to pay their respects.

“As part of our regular grass cutting programme, machinery is in use every day for long periods which can lead to repairs being required and we aim to complete these as quickly as possible to ensure that all grassed areas, including our cemeteries, receive their scheduled cut.

“It has been optimal weather conditions recently which has seen grass grow quicker than normal, but our teams are working hard to complete all areas within Hawkhead Cemetery as we strive to provide an appropriate environment for people to visit their loved ones.”

Meanwhile, the practice of toppling headstones – which have been deemed unsafe after inspection – has been a talking point for a number of years.

Friends of Hawkhead Cemetery (FOHC) has confirmed it is in “regular discussions” with the local authority as it tries to find a “long-term solution”.

Michael Fedigan, group secretary, said: “FOHC fully recognises that public safety must always come first and that unsafe memorials must be laid down where necessary.

“However, the group is committed to finding a long-term solution that reduces the need for headstones to be laid flat.

“We are engaged in regular discussions with Renfrewshire Council on this issue and continue to explore options that balance safety requirements with the preservation and dignity of the cemetery’s memorials.”