Call for improvements to 'appalling' cemetery

by Lisa Reeves

Tuesday 17^th July 2012

Tue 17^th Jul 2012

Having raised the poor condition of the cemetery with Cheshire East Council (CEC) on several occasions, Alderley Edge Parish Council are hopeful that officers will visit the cemetery with them shortly to discuss improvements.

At this month's Parish Council meeting, local resident Pauline Pitts told councillors she was horrified at the condition of the cemetery, which she described as a "total disgrace".

Cllr Sue Joseph responded "You are quite right, it is absolutely appalling".

Cllr Sue Joseph was joined by Cllrs Duncan Herald, Mary Maczkowiak and Melanie Connor to carry out an inspection of the cemetery on May 30th.

After the visit councillors put together a document detailing all the issues they identified and would like addressing by Cheshire East Council.

Some of the areas which they identified as needing work include; the approach to the cemetery via the gatehouse; internal footpaths; benches which need to be cleaned and stained and memorials, because many of the older ones have either fallen flat or are damaged.

Councillors suggested that a 'Friends of the Cemetery' group could be organised, but felt that the initial works needed are too great for such a group.

Cllr Duncan Herald said "We have been told that relevant CEC officers will be sent down to the cemetery to meet with us and go through the list item by item."

Photo: Looking north through the gate house from the A535, Chelford Road.

Tags:: Cheshire East Council, Parish Council

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Terry Bowes

Tuesday 17^th July 2012 at 6:14 pm

I think you are spot on,i go there to see my mates,you get to an age where you know more people in there than out in Alderley.As for the stones that have fallen flat, think you'll find it was the "elf and saftey vandals" a couple of years ago.

Jon Williams

Tuesday 17^th July 2012 at 9:16 pm

Try walking to it with a pram from the village - CE said they would sort it after the winter was over !

Diana Bullock

Tuesday 17^th July 2012 at 11:06 pm

I agree with Jon Williams, the path, adjacent to Chorley Hall Lane, is still a disgrace. Nothing has been done to cut the undergrowth back and make a decent path.

Harold Adshead

Friday 20^th July 2012 at 11:02 pm

I have walked down Ryley's lane this evening and I totally agree with Jon and Diana

I noticed from Ryleys School onwards the pavements are all overgrown making them difficult to walk on.
You have to walk on the road in parts. After the heavy rainfall we have been having they can be very treacherous to walk on.

Lisa Reeves

Wednesday 25^th July 2012 at 1:40 pm

I have spoken with Cheshire East Council regarding the footpath on Ryleys Lane, adjacent to Chorley Hall Lane.

They have confirmed that the landowner has cut back the hedge and clearing the footpath is included in a programme of works which will be carried out in August.

Duncan Herald

Tuesday 31^st July 2012 at 5:36 pm

Hopefully the promised meeting at the cemetary, between C.E. Officers and the members of the Parish Council that prepared the document on needed works at the cemetary, will take place in August.
Your Parish Council is trying to get attention paid to the cemetary.
If there is a movement to start a 'Friends of the Cemetary' group, why not come along to the next Parish Council meeting and speak about it; the first 20 minutes of each monthly Parish Council meeting is available to members of the public who wish to inform or ask questions.
Did you know that amongth the memorials in the cemetary is one for the first Lord Mayor of Manchester!