COUNCIL chiefs have apologised for the state of a cemetery – and begun work to clean it up.

Bradford Council acted after complaints that Utley Cemetery "looked like a building site".

"We can only apologise for the condition of a section of the cemetery," said a spokesman.

"The problems were caused by recent heavy rain and snow which saturated the ground, coupled with an increase in the number of burials at this time because of Covid-19.

"We started the clean-up yesterday (Tuesday) and hope to have the cemetery back into a decent condition as soon as possible.

"We're also having discussions with ward councillors, grave-digging contractors and cemetery staff to find a way to prevent this happening in the future.

"We are deeply sorry for any distress this issue has caused to families who have relatives in the cemetery."

Concerns were raised by Keighley MP Robbie Moore, who visited the site with town councillor Clare Abberton – whose Spring Gardens and Utley ward includes the cemetery – and Councillor Mohammed Nazam, a former town mayor and Keighley Muslim Association’s community relations officer.

They say the condition of the cemetery, particularly the Muslim section, has caused widespread anger and sparked safety concerns due to hazardous surfaces.

Mr Moore says: “It is a disgrace how the cemetery has been left. Rubble has been stockpiled right next to graves and the ground conditions are appalling.

"I am angered that Bradford Council, which owns and manages the cemetery, has allowed this sacred place to get into this appalling condition. It looks like a building site and this just shows a complete lack of respect for the many families who have relatives in Utley Cemetery."

Cllr Nazam, who first brought the issue to the MP's attention, said: “The Muslim cemeteries in Utley and at Scholemoor are the worst ones I’ve seen in the region. Stones and soil are being left on the side of graves. Family members are unable to be at the graveside of their loved ones due to the health and safety risks. The walls of the graves are loose.

"It is unfair on a community that is already grieving the loss of so many lives."