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Story from Jam Press (Graveyard Lawnmower Ban)
Pictured: Member of Friends of St Giles Hill Graveyard using the lawnmower to maintain the area.
Over my dead body! Council BANS charity from using lawnmower to maintain historic graveyard
A charity has been banned from using lawnmowers to maintain a graveyard.
The use of any power tools at the site were prohibited by the council in the upmarket city, because of an insurance issue.
But the Friends of St Giles Hill Graveyard (FSGHG), which was set up in 2014, have been left fuming.
The group spends its free time taking care of the cemetery.
In 2019, the organisation registered as a charity to secure insurance for use of their lawnmower.
But Winchester City Council ruled that essential tools are now banned.
St Giles Hill Graveyard, in Winchester, has been in use since the 17th century.
The oldest grave in the cemetery is that of 19-year-old William Gill Jr who died in 1694.
Members of the FSGHG have pleaded with the council, stating power tools are vital to control pest plants such as old man’s beard, ivy and brambles.
The charity now fears the new rules could force it to stop its work.
Anna Stewart, a charity trustee, said: “We are a very small charity caring for a neglected graveyard.
“We have been banned from using power tools and mowers, which are used by people in their gardens.
“We don’t understand why the council is putting obstacles in our way.
“Volunteers deserve respect, we are doing work for no pay for the good of the community.”
A Winchester City Council spokesperson told What’s The Jam: “We had a positive meeting with the friends of St Giles Hill Graveyard last week and we’re working closely with them to ensure their work can continue.
“We have no intention of banning any part of the brilliant work they do.
“We want to do everything we can to enable volunteers across the district, but as with our contractors, we also have a duty of care to volunteer groups to ensure that activities and equipment used on our land is sufficiently insured and maintained.
“This is not just for our assurance, but theirs and the public’s safety too.
“We’re positive that we will have a solution for this and look forward to their work continuing."
ENDS
2025-01-29
Jam Press/East News
Jam Press
Jam_Press_JMP619542
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