A GRIEVING woman from Melksham was horrified to find the graveyard where her parents are buried was so overgrown she could barely see some of the headstones.

On visiting the graves of some of her relatives Sue Rudland was shocked when she saw the state of the St Michael & Angel Church cemetery run by Melksham Town Council.

Many generations of the 66-year-old’s family, on her mother’s side, are buried in the cemetery including her parents and grandparents.

The town council work on a rotary system and are scheduled to cut the grass this Tuesday (June 21).

Mrs Rudland said: “They are not being kept up and the grass is as tall as my knee. What was a lovely kept up cemetery is now turning into a meadow. It is just so disturbing.

“I think it is terrible for people who have lost people to walk in there like that and find it in that state. It is just not right.

“Yes you can cut the grass around your own grave but the whole place is like this. In my mind it is awful if there is a funeral there and this is what they see.”

There had been growing discontent among Melksham residents, who voiced their concerns to the council and on social media.

“I fully understand that there are cut backs but there should not be on something as important as this,” added Mrs Rudland.

“To walk in there last night, it was terrible and I feel someone should do something about this. If it is cut backs then let’s do something about it.

“I cannot do it all myself and put it right. I also have friends that are buried in the graveyard but it is not just about me. It is the people of Melksham.

“It was a beautiful cemetery and was kept really nice. It is now like a derelict church it has got into such a bad way.”

Melksham Town Council deputy clerk, Miriam Zaccarelli, said: “I have spoken to our caretaker, who is in touch with the contractor for Melksham Town Council.

“They work to a schedule and that area of the churchyard is scheduled for Tuesday.

“The grass has been growing fast due to recent rain and sun but the work is in hand and will be resolved very shortly.

“The Town Council always welcomes feedback from the public.”