CONTRACTORS who left grass cuttings strewn across gravestones in Waltonwrays Cemetery have been reprimanded after numerous complaints.

The "terrible state" of the Skipton cemetery was highlighted in last week's paper by Peter Marsden who claimed that not only was grass left on headstones, but that trees and shrubs had been butchered.

Greg Robinson, head of operations at Craven District Council, apologised for the grass being left on the headstones and admitted it should never have happened. He has been in touch with the contractors Service Team and told them he was disappointed with their work.

"Every visitor I have spoken to agrees with me that we should return to the former system when two council workmen kept the cemetery spotless," said Walter Holden, of Riddlesden.

Charlotte Lucas of Skipton paid tribute to the former workers and said it was a credit to the two men who cut the grass and kept everything in order.

Mick Wright area manager at Service Team said the grass had to be strimmed where the mowers could not get through. He said that wet grass inevitably stuck to headstones and even though blowers were used to clean it off, it could not all be removed.

He added that wind blew loose grass up gainst the bottom of the headstones, where it gathered. He said the team endeavoured to make sure they completed the work thoroughly.

Mr Robinson said there was a concern about contracting work out to private companies, as the council did not have as much control over standards.

"We are looking at doing some of the work in house," he said. "I will be keeping a watchful eye on developments."

However, Mr Robinson objected to Mr Marsden's allegations that trees and bushes along the driveway had been "savagely" cut back and felled.

He said a lot of work was on going to improve the cemetery. Trees along the driveway were felled to open up the views to the chapel. The work would also improve security and reduce vandalism.

He agreed, though, that as the felling had only just been done, the area might look a bit stark.

A best value report 12 months ago highlighted a number of problems with the cemetery and since then Mr Robinson said a rolling programme of improvements had been implemented.

At the lodge the old toilets have been knocked down and an office installed, the area near the garages is being tidied up, the sign has been repainted, the area around the entrance has been tidied up, and self seeded trees have been removed.

Mr Robinson admitted that over time the cemetery had been neglected, but under a new manager work was being done to bring it back up to scratch.

"I am concerned that people think we are acting recklessly; we are not doing that," he said.

Anyone with concerns should speak to a member of staff at the cemetery office.