Major Revamp in Sight for Duke St Cemetery Following Failed 'Wilding' Experiment

Progress is being made in improving Duke St cemetery following the failure of the wilding experiment that has left many graves at the heart of the cemetery overgrown and inaccessible. A plan of action is being drawn up including the possible formation of a “Friends” group and the use of community payback workers.

The issue has been recently brought to the attention of the Council by Liberal Democrat opposition leader, John Pugh.

Cllr. Pugh praised new Sefton Cabinet member, Cllr. Peter Harvey, whose brief covers a whole range of other things apart from cemeteries for his engagement and 'can do' attitude.

“It’s refreshing to work cross-party with someone who does not see raising a problem as an accusation and does not react in an ultra-defensive way. We both know the previous ‘wilding' policy has failed, that the current status quo is not acceptable, but that it costs, time and money to put right.  Removing years of tree and bush growth is going to be tough. Currently though the council is in breach of the statutory duty to make all graves in a public cemetery accessible.”

It’s just something that sensible politicians can see needs doing. There are no votes to be sought in a graveyard though I am reliably informed that the majority of Mayors and aldermen of Southport are in there somewhere."

Anyone who want to become a friend or occasional volunteer in the cemetery is invited to get in touch with Sefton or to contact Cllr.Pugh ([email protected])