CONSERVATIVE Councillors in Little Thurrock are calling for a small gate at the bottom of Grays New Cemetery to be re opened following complaints from local residents.
Little Thurrock councillor Tom Kelly said "The bottom gate to the cemetery was blocked off with out any consultation with residents over a year ago. Excuses for the closure ranged from dogs fouling graves to council workers nearly injuring a dog when strimming grass.
However, after visiting the cemetery on a number of occasions talking to residents, dog walkers and relatives of those buried there it is clear the closure is causing more problems than it may have solved.
"Older and disabled residents are finding the long, steep walk to the front entrance extremely difficult. One resident said she is has serious concerns for her, and others, personal safety using The Slips and all the dog walkers we saw were picking up any dog mess left by their pets."
The cemetery has been in use since 1888 and houses a number of war graves. The Slips which run along the side of the cemetery are extremely steep, have no hand rails and are flanked by bushes and weeds.
Tom added "Rob Gledhill and I have asked repeatedly for this gate to reopened to no avail. We know the cemetery is not a through route, but the gate closure has seriously affected those less able to manage the steep walk to the entrance and we share the safety concerns of those who use The Slips.
"It appears that Thurrock Council has used a sledgehammer to crack a nut and I am sure that correct signage and enforcement would discourage the occasional dog walker that doesn’t take responsibility for their pets. As a Council we should be promoting physical activity in our older residents, yet this draconian measure is discouraging them from walking in safety.
"I will be writing to the cabinet member asking for their intervention and look to open up the gate whilst still protecting the graves and memories of those laid to rest there."
