Lewes
Liberal Democrats

Seaford residents distressed at state of Seaford cemetery

3 Sep 2023
A headstone in the shape of a cross on a plinth, the stone weathered, and surrounded by untended grass and weeds. The inscription reads "In loving memory, my dear husband Edward Sibun Hornblower of the 87th Batt Canadians M.C.S. Born Novr 13th 1873 died on active service March 22nd 1917. Also of..." Further words are obscured by the grass.

Seaford residents have expressed concern at the state of some areas of Seaford cemetery.  The cemetery includes 253 burials of the 1914-18 war as well as the graves of Canadian soldiers maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. These are now becoming overgrown with surrounding vegetation.

Cllr Carolyn Lambert explains: “My colleague Cllr Christine Brett has received a number of complaints from residents about the part of the cemetery that is the responsibility of the Green-led Lewes District Council.

"I understand that they wish to encourage bio-diversity in the cemetery.  Whilst we all want to encourage bio-diversity, any action here would need to be handled with extreme sensitivity and in consultation with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.”

Cllr Christine Brett adds: “I understand that the Green administration at Lewes District Council is going to carry out a review of its cemetery management.  It is important that this review respects the wishes of residents as well as encouraging bio-diversity.”

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