Concern as bad behaviour forces parish council to close cemetery gates
ANTI-social behaviour by some young people has forced a parish council to close the main gates to a cemetery.
Cars, vans and motorcycles have been driven onto the cemetery premises, intimidating groups have gathered, there has been alleged drug and alcohol use, loud music has been played and a warden was subjected to verbal abuse.
The anti-social behaviour at Thurcroft Cemetery has prompted Thurcroft Parish Council to act by shutting the main entrance gates.
Thurcoft Parish Council have received numerous reports of anti-social behaviour taking place.
In a statement to the Advertiser, the parish council said: “Young people have been gathering in groups, particularly but not exclusively in the evenings, taking cars, vans and motorcycles into the cemetery.
“Reports allege drug and alcohol use as well as the playing of loud music.
“The cemetery should be a place of calm, quiet and respect.
“This type of behaviour is entirely disrespectful to the friends and families of those who rest there, neighbours who live close by, and the village in which these young people live.
“We recently employed a part-time cemetery warden with a view to closing the cemetery gates between 8pm and 8am during the summer months. Unfortunately, our warden was subjected to verbal abuse on his first morning and intimidating behaviour later in the day.
“We will not tolerate any kind of abuse or threats to our staff or members of the public who visit loved ones. As such we made the decision to close the main gates of the cemetery to prevent cars, vans, and motorcycles being taken in there.
“We make the safety of staff and visitors our top priority. This decision has the full support of the police, RMBC colleagues and local support workers.”
The parish council added: “We do understand that for some visitors closing the main gates restricts their access to the cemetery.
“However, the pedestrian access to the side remains open 24/7. This gate is accessible by wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
“We believe the vast majority of the public understand why we have made this decision and support it. We are grateful for this backing from the community.
“We will continue to monitor and review the position; however, the main gates will remain closed for the foreseeable future.”
The parish council urged anyone observing anti-social behaviour to report it immediately to the police by calling 101, or via the South Yorkshire Police website. If there is a threatening situation, people should call 999.
Rother Valley MP Jake Richards said: “I have been in contact with Thurcroft Parish Council on behalf of several constituents who have shared with me concerns about accessibility at Thurcroft Cemetery.
“I fully appreciate the difficulties caused by the limited parking in the area and the decision to close the main gate, which makes it particularly challenging for people with mobility issues to visit loved ones. Discussion is ongoing with the parish council to find a reasonable solution to this matter.
“As the parish council is the governing body responsible for the cemetery, and has sought appropriate advice from South Yorkshire Police, we must respect their authority in making decisions about the site.”
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “We are aware of reports of recent anti-social behaviour taking place at Thurcroft Cemetery.
“Members of the public have driven cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles onto the cemetery grounds, which is are not open to public vehicles. Concerns have also been raised about drug use at the cemetery.
“On 30 April, officers attended a meeting with the parish council, local authority, and youth outreach team. Following the meeting, the parish council decided to close the main access gate to cemetery. The cemetery remains accessible on foot and to those using a mobility scooter.”
One regular visitor to the cemetery, Julie Marsh from Thrybergh, suggested that the gates should be open for part of the day and added that car parking is inadequate.
She said: “My reaction is that they should sort the anti-social behaviour out but I think they can’t do anything – you can’t hit the kids anymore, I know that.”