SINCE being elected a councillor for Ramsbottom and district I have received complaints about the state of Ramsbottom Cemetery.

The goings-on give much cause for concern: adolescents playing football and swinging from trees; headstones toppled over and in disrepair; irresponsible dog owners allowing their charges to foul pathways and hedgerows.

This decline in standards was further revealed by recent press reports of theft of flowers and plants from graves.

One ponders how advanced the human condition has become, particularly approaching the year 2000, when one sees such treatment of Ramsbottom's municipal burial ground.

The cemetery is in a peaceful location and was kept immaculately in the days of the urban district council. It contains war graves from the First and Second World Wars.

This cemetery deserves better for it means so much to so many left with their own private thoughts. I give their due to those who manage the day-to-day running of the cemetery. They have assured me that matters raised so far will be dealt with.

They have increased security patrols; and the new dog fouling law will soon be implemented, with steep penalties for pet owners who disregard it.

However, more could and should be done, and I appeal for help to start a new group, the Friends of Ramsbottom Cemetery, dedicated to improve and safeguard the ground and open to all those interested.

Please write to me - Councillor Barry Theckston, Friends of Ramsbottom Cemetery, Members Services, Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury BL9 OSW.

The first step to offer urgent improvements for the cemetery comes with full support of Bury Council. The response will be collated and a suitable meeting arranged to discuss how we can give back to Ramsbottom Cemetery the dignity it deserves.

BARRY THECKSTON

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