Cemetery gates will open up - but will shut again if there's trouble

The main gates at a cemetery are set to be opened again after being permanently shut to stop anti-social behaviour.

But they will be open for just a few days a week - and will be closed again if trouble restarts.

Back in April the main gates at Thurcroft Cemetery were locked by Thurcroft Parish Council after cars, vans and motorcycles were driven onto the cemetery premises, intimidating groups gathered, there was alleged drug and alcohol use, loud music was played and a warden was subjected to verbal abuse.

There was anger amongst some cemetery visitors who said that the gates being closed limited their access.

Pedestrian access to the side of the cemetery has remained open with a gate accessible by wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

But now the parish council has had a change of heart.

In a statement it said: “We have been monitoring the situation closely and closure of the gates has been effective in reducing, though not eliminating, the levels of anti-social behaviour.

“During this time we have also had approaches by members of the public who have difficulty visiting their loved one’s graves because of the closure.

“We do recognise those difficulties though I hope people will understand that we must always put the safety of our staff, councillors and visitors to the cemetery as our top priority.

“We will continue to monitor the situation over the summer and, unless incidents increase again, we plan to open the main gates for limited times on two days each week from October.

“The main gates therefore will be opened from 9am to 3pm on Sundays and Wednesdays to allow vehicle access into the cemetery.

“This will take effect from Sunday October 4.

“Hopefully this will be some help to those struggling with the current arrangements.

“The main gates will remain closed at all other times though the pedestrian access will remain open for access on foot, by wheelchair or mobility scooter.”

But the council added: “Please note that should we witness or receive reports of anti-social behaviour, or these arrangements are abused in any way, we reserve the right to close the main gates again.

“Equally, should any of our staff, councillors, or members of the public face verbal abuse or threats we will not hesitate to take action against those individuals.”