Graves left 'under foot of water' as man slams 'disrespectful' council drainage works at cemetery

A man has expressed his anger after drainage works at a cemetery have left some graves under water.

Andrew Leeder walks through Strawberry Lane Cemetery in Cheslyn Hay regularly.The 59-year-old's wife also has two family members buried at the site. And the civil engineer says that the current state of the cemetery is 'shocking'.It comes after South Staffordshire Council announced plans to carry out essential drainage works that were due to begin on March 1 and last around two weeks, according to a social media post on the site's Facebook page.

But a spokesperson has said that the works are now expected to be finished 'within the next month' and that the disruption is 'unavoidable'.Andrew says that the apparent 'disregard' for the loved ones laid to rest at the site is 'appalling'.

He said: "I walk up there on a regular basis and my wife has two relatives that are in that cemetery."I've been a civil engineer for over 40 years and like to think I know about it.

"With any building work, I tend to take a lot of notice of what's going on and something like that in a cemetery, which has been a problem since it opened. I've always kept an eye on it."I was watching what they were doing to solve a problem with the land.

"I was absolutely shocked to see the new drains they have put in, the outfall of the pipe which was supposed to drain the water away, was actually on the bed of the new pond they created so that in effect as the water builds up it goes back up the pipe rather than away."Andrew said that some graves have been left "under a foot of water." He added: "It's disgusting, absolutely disgusting."You've got to be compassionate about what you're doing. They've dug the pond out and dumped the soil quite close to where the baby graves are.

"Keep it so the rain can't get into it, it looks a mess up there."He added that due to the weather, he understands why work may have halted. But that does not help the "mess" that has been made.

Andrew said: "It is difficult at the moment because it is so wet. I'd understand if they wanted to put the work off for a week or so rather than make more than a mess."He says he called the council over the matter, added: "I said look, I not having a moan but given my experience - I want to help you sort this out.

"The solution at the moment isn't a solution."A spokesperson for South Staffordshire Council said: "The council is aware of drainage and surface water challenges at Strawberry Lane Cemetery.

"To improve the situation for site users and grave owners, the council has procured the services of a specialist land drainage company which is currently carrying out drainage improvement works at the cemetery."Prior to the work taking place, signage was displayed within the cemetery and communications were circulated via the council's social media channels, giving advanced notification, and apologising for any disruption which may be caused whilst the works are undertaken."The programme of work is still ongoing and whilst all efforts are being made by the contractor to keep the site tidy, there will be some unavoidable disruption to areas onsite. We anticipate that works will be complete within the next month, depending on weather and ground conditions.

"The council is undertaking regular checks of progress throughout the programme of work and our contractor will reinstate and make good the site once the full drainage solution has been installed."They continued: "We would like to once again to assure residents that the sole purpose of this work is to improve the drainage of the cemetery.

We are confident that once the work is complete, this will significantly improve the site and the experience of all those visiting."