EDDC starts maintenance work on Sidmouth Cemetery
The council has enlisted a group of volunteers who will offer their time and support to the clean-up project
East Devon District Council has commenced work in an effort to make Sidmouth Cemetery a welcoming and respectful place for the deceased that also supports wildlife within the area.
The news comes after the district council held a special meeting and a tour of Sidmouth Cemetery on Thursday 18 January, following a number of complaints received about the maintenance of the site.
As a result, the council has enlisted a group of volunteers who will offer their time and support to the clean-up project.
This will allow EDDC to continue its work within the community – mowing pathways, keeping areas neat and tidy, and also encouraging biodiversity in the site.
Among those who attended the meeting were the Cherishing Sidmouth Cemeteries group, Sid Valley Biodiversity Group and Sidmouth Town Council, which will be working closely with EDDC on this joint initiative.
Cllr Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, country and environment at EDDC, said: “The previous arrangements, regarding the maintenance of this cemetery, were agreed 10 years ago. The complaints received have created an opportunity for us to further build relationships within the community.
“Joint initiatives with volunteers to help keep our parks, gardens and open spaces looking lovely have worked brilliantly in other areas of East Devon. We are so grateful for all the help and assistance of these volunteers, who have agreed to help maintain areas, like Sidmouth Cemetery, appropriately.
He added: “Our officers will be having regular meetings with the interested groups to feedback any public concerns the council receives and address them on a case-by-case basis.”
