Campaigners claim a cemetery in York is ‘falling to bits’ – but site bosses say they face an unprecedented drop in income to maintain the grounds.

Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:59

By Kevin Glenton

Fulford Cemetery in Fordlands Road is having fewer areas of grass cut - and less frequently - this year, in a bid to reduce costs within its 30-acre grounds.

In a statement on its website, Fulford Parish Council, which runs the site, said grounds maintenance and gravedigging services that are carried out by two to three members of ground staff will reduce to two staff members from August.

The older graves in 39 of the 50 plots will now be left unmown but will receive an end of season strim or annual rough cut, the parish council said.

However, a petition calling for a return to the former maintenance plan has been raised by Shane Sayner, who said he has friends already affected by the plans and claimed “the place is falling to bits, the older graves are not being maintained anymore".

More than 400 people have signed the petition to date.

The parish council spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed that Mr Sayner didn’t come and talk to us before raising this petition.

“We are more than happy to explain the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in and work constructively with everyone who cares about this special place to find ways to resolve problems.”

Mark Tubridy said he has been visiting the cemetery for 44 years and looks after five graves.

He said: “It’s slowly getting worse.

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