Our cemetery is worth all the time and effort

New Friends of Dewsbury Cemetery members have put hours of their time into repairing and maintaining the site.

The group has become a registered organisation and will meet Kirklees Council next month to discuss the cemetery’s future.

Chairman Simon Reed said: “We are moving forward slowly but surely. We have carried on working while we are waiting to hear from the council.

“They said they would help us raise funds and let us use gardening tools.”

Mr Reed said the group had worked hard on the cemetery’s appearance but there was still room for improvement.

“We’ve been keeping a log of activity and different group members have been going to check on the cemetery at different times of day.

“Some of the flowers we planted recently had been pulled up. We were genuinely gutted about that.

“But it feels like a nicer and safer place to be. We still have some problems with gangs drinking around the gate, but I think it helps to know someone is looking after it.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Work to make the chapels safe was completed earlier this year and we are currently working with the New Friends of Dewsbury Cemetery on improving the appearance of the cemetery itself.”

But with council funding due to be slashed Mr Reed admitted it would be difficult to get any money directly.

Mr Reed said: “The chance of money coming from the council is less likely than ever, but if we are given tools and some assistance to raise money we can do the rest ourselves.”