'An absolute disgrace' - callous fly-tippers dump rubbish at cemetery entrance

Rubbish can be seen close to the entrance at the Parish Cemetery at Gellfield Lane in Uppermill

A community is outraged by callous fly-tippers who have desecrated the entrance to a treasured parish cemetery.

When Saddleworth’s Parish Council staff returned to work on Monday they discovered the latest sickening attack on the Parish Cemetery at Gellfield Lane in Uppermill.

The distinguished gate to the cemetery was stolen some weeks ago and the Parish Council has committed to have a new one made.  

Weather permitting, the gate is due to be fitted soon along with operational security cameras. 

A parish council spokesperson said: "This is all extra expense that the Parish Council can ill afford and shouldn’t be necessary.”

Cllr Barbara Beeley, Chair of the Parish Council, said: “Whether there is a gate or not, and security cameras or not, people should not fly tip anywhere, but they should especially respect sacred ground and neither damage nor fly tip there.  

“We shall examine the rubbish and, if we can ascertain the identity of the person(s) doing this, we shall definitely prosecute them.  

“There is no reason whatsoever to fly tip when there is a free refuse collection point at Arkwright Street, but I suppose some idle, selfish people just can’t be bothered to go there.”

A furious local said: “It’s an absolute disgrace.

"The graveyard is a very special place for families and the community.

"These fly-tippers feel no guilt.”

Anyone with any information about this incident should contact the Saddleworth Parish Council on 01457 876665.

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