RESIDENTS have spoken of their "disgust" at the overgrown condition of two churchyards.
In the last two weeks, the cemetery surrounding St Bartholomew's and the Horley churchyard, both in Church Road, have been the subject of numerous complaints by nearby residents.
Janet Moore, of Church Road, who has three relatives buried in Horley Churchyard, said: "I'm absolutely disgusted at the total disrespect shown towards loved ones. I have got two graves over there. On Father's Day I went across to put a card on my father's grave – I couldn't see it because the grass was surrounding it."
She added: "It took a long time hacking it down to make a space to lay my floral tribute.
"There were lots of other people there at the same time and they were totally disgusted seeing it as it was."
Marcia Stretch, also of Church Road, said: "It's a dreadful reflection on Horley and a terrible reflection, as far as I'm concerned, on the church.
"It's totally disrespectful; we are talking about a 14th century church.
"Some people come quite a distance every three or four months to visit the graves.
"Quite often I am stopped and a lot of people ask me about it, and what reflection is it on us as a country if our churchyards are like that?
"I have travelled the world and I have never seen a churchyard like this."
Historically, the churchyards are maintained by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) through the church office at St Bart's, and Horley Town Council has provided a grant to assist with the cost.
But, as reported in the Mirror last June, this grant has been cut from £13,000 to £6,000.
Following a meeting last Tuesday, the town council deferred the PCC's application for more money until it produces a business plan for maintaining the grounds.
In a statement, the council said: "The town council has repeatedly offered advice to the PCC on how the churchyards could be managed in a more cost-effective way to a standard that the residents would find acceptable.
"Unfortunately the church has not acted on this advice.
"The town council would look to see evidence that action is being taken by way of self-help, and outside help such as community payback and volunteer groups, with consideration having been given to alternative management regimes. It would also expect to be confident that the contractor responsible is being adequately monitored.
"Members of the town council are therefore unwilling to recommend significant sums of council tax payers' money for churchyard maintenance unsupported by an effectively-costed plan."
Steve Harris, spokesman for the Diocese of Southwark which incorporates St Bart's, said: "During 2013, following the cut in financial assistance from the council, community cutting days were organised to try to ensure that the churchyards were kept at an acceptable standard.
"Unfortunately, it did not prove possible to maintain the churchyards as well as it had been with less financial resources, even with the help of the community.
"The PCC of St Bartholomew's has sought other funding sources to help with the upkeep of the churchyards and will continue to do so.
"However, finding sources has proved difficult in the current financial situation. The PCC will also seek to resolve the situation with the council."
The Mirror understands the grounds of both churchyards are in the process of being cut, in time for the First World War Flower Festival.
