Long grass now a grave concern in Hawick

The length of grass at Wellogate Cemetery is now “waist-height and higher”, according to Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson.

Scottish Borders Council bosses curtailed their grass-cutting work due to social distancing requirements at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Paterson said: “The height of the grass in Wellogate Cemetery is really a disgrace. It is waist high and higher. I have had a number of phone calls and emails from constituents regarding the situation there and it really is not on.

“They are telling me they are going down to pay their respects to their loved ones buried there and they can’t see the graves because of the height of the grass.

“I’m told by the council that grass-cutting is not a priority at this time and that the priority is looking after the elderly and the vulnerable.

“I can understand that in a way, but surely, for goodness’ sake, respecting our dead has to be a priority too.

“People who are grieving the loss of loved ones are vulnerable too and need to be able to grieve without having to wade through grass.

“What is it coming to? Do we need to get some sheep and cows in there to get the grass down? It’s really not a laughing matter, though. This is causing a lot of bitterness.”

Last month Mr Paterson raised concerns over the Wellogate graveyard being used as a playpark after an elderly woman witnessed a dog owner throwing sticks for his pet to retrieve there.

“I am concerned at the general lack of respect for this sacred place and the lack of grass-cutting adds to that,” he added.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Grass-cutting in active cemeteries has been carried out by ride-on machinery, with no strimming or weedkilling yet undertaken.

“The safety of our staff and the public is our number one priority and our approach is carrying out essential maintenance only.”